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.