The Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters strongly condemn the recent actions of the United States government and the United States Navy in and around Venezuela. The reported attacks on civilian boats in the region are unacceptable and, in our view, constitute violations of international law.

Political resistance doesn’t only happen in meeting rooms or at rallies — it also happens through art, care, and collective action. When we create spaces that honor creativity while meeting real needs, we build the kind of community resilience that lasts.

According to the weather report it was cold and gloomy. What was radiant was the fact the so many people came out on a cloudy day to stand up for a fundamental truth: WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. And people took notice.

We got the attention of both 21 WFMJ and local newspapers. The segment shown on the 11pm news was amazing and really helped amplify the message, thanks in no small part to a great interview by a certain fearless leader!

On October 18, 2025, nearly 3,000 community members came together for our No Kings 2.0 Rally — a powerful demonstration of unity, resilience, and people power. The event brought together voices from across the Valley and beyond to stand for democracy, justice, and collective liberation. Through speeches, music, art, and solidarity, we reminded each other that true leadership comes from the people — not from those who seek to rule over us. The energy was electric, the message was clear: we the people are the power, and we will not be silenced.

This Women’s Equality Day, the Mahoning Valley showed up. Over 100 of us gathered to celebrate the women who fought for the right to vote, and to remind ourselves that the fight for equality is not behind us — it’s right here, right now.

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the streets of downtown Youngstown echoed with chants, laughter, music, and the unmistakable pulse of people power. We gathered at the Mahoning County Courthouse to honor the legacy of civil rights activist and lifelong freedom fighter, Congressman John Lewis, and to remind the world that Good Trouble still lives on in the hearts of those who are unafraid to stand up, speak out, and demand justice.

Last night, we gathered for Candles for Democracy — a small, intimate, and sincere gathering of around 50 local Mahoning Valley citizens. Together, we lit candles in honor of those our community has lost, individuals stolen from us by injustice, by hate, and by systems that continue to fail the people they were meant to serve. This event was more than a vigil. It was a moment to reflect, to grieve the nation we once believed in, and to remember the movements and activists who came before us — whose courage laid the foundation for our own. We shared stories of past civil rights leaders, and we drew strength from their legacy.

On June 22nd, the Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters gathered for a sweet Sunday afternoon at The Grizzly Bean Cafe in Austintown! We learned the art of cupcake decorating from local expert Patience Morris, enjoyed a cozy drink, and helped fund our grassroots movement for justice in the Valley. We will host another class for cookie decorating on August 3, 2025.

No Kings Day Statement from Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters - June 16th, 2025

We are heartbroken by the devastating acts of violence that have taken lives in Utah and Minnesota over the weekend. We mourn with the families, friends, and communities impacted by these senseless murders. 

Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters affirms our unwavering commitment to nonviolence. We believe in the power of peaceful protest, community organizing, and collective action to create lasting change. Violence is antithetical to the world we are striving to build; a world where every person is safe, valued, and free.

We call on our allies across the country to remain courageous, compassionate, and grounded in our shared principles. We will not be silenced by violence. We will continue to gather, speak out, and build a better future together.

In solidarity and sorrow,

Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters

On June 14th, 2025, over 1,200 community members gathered in downtown Youngstown for our No Kings Day Rally to send a clear message: We reject the slide toward authoritarianism, and we will defend our democracy, together.

Despite the heat, families, students, elders, workers, and neighbors came out, holding signs that read “No Kings,” “Defend Democracy,” and “Power to the People.” We rallied in unity against the current administration’s aggressive reach toward authoritarian rule, voter suppression efforts, attacks on bodily autonomy, and corporate corruption that is leaving working people behind.