Is Boston Becoming Protest Central?

A new wave of activism is transforming Boston into a city where every voice counts

By Nazalia Justiniano

Photo by Diya Kapoor

In the past few weeks alone, Boston has erupted in waves of protests — from rallying on campus to the city streets — each fueled by frustration, conviction and the desire to be heard. Whether it’s students pushing back against corporate control or activists demanding justice in immigration policies, Boston has once again proven itself a city unafraid to speak up.

The recent No Kings protest brought thousands to the streets, echoing a nationwide movement — globally known as No Dictators or No Tyrants movement — against what demonstrators view as authoritarianism and corruption under President Donald Trump.

In addition to Boston, protesters gathered in major cities such as Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago. With over 100,000 people rallying in Boston — peacefully protesting with no arrests — many officials including Mayor Michelle Wu, along with Mass. State Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, spoke at the rally.

At the same time, rallies outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices have reignited debates about deportation, asylum and human rights. These protests, often led by student and grassroots organizations, highlight a city increasingly aligned with national movements for equity and accountability.

“We’re tired of feeling like our voices don’t matter,” Sara Frankel, a junior at BU, wrote to the Buzz. “Protesting isn’t about chaos, it’s about reminding people in power that we’re watching, we care and we’re not backing down.”

Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the buzz around Boston’s protests. Platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter) and TikTok have turned activism events into viral moments. Livestreams, hashtags and student-led digital campaigns allow protests to reach beyond city limits, transforming local action into national conversation and holding institutions accountable in real time. It’s become a tool for transparency and unity — allowing Boston’s youth to rally together faster and ensure their voices are seen as much as they’re heard. 

The question still poses, why Boston? Why now? In many ways, the city’s legacy as a birthplace of rebellion still pulses through the streets. From the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights sit-ins of the 1960s, protest is carved into the city’s identity.

Today, that same energy is amplified by a generation that organizes in minutes. The city’s dense network of universities has also created a melting pot of activism, where one spark can ignite an entire movement.

While opinions differ on whether these protests lead to tangible change, one thing is undeniable: Boston’s collective voice is growing louder. Showing us that speaking out remains one of democracy’s greatest strengths.