LYNN — Nine demonstrators gathered outside Lynn District Court on Tuesday, Aug. 26 for a flash mob performance protesting against the federal government and ICE’s current treatment of immigrants.
During the performance, the protesters were dressed as the Statue of Liberty and sang the 1883 poem “The New Colossus” to the tune of “America” from “West Side Story.”
“The New Colossus” is engraved onto the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, and is often interpreted as a welcome message to immigrants coming to America. Meanwhile, “America” from West Side Story is a song highlighting both the positives and negatives of American immigrant life.
“By juxtaposing a symbol of liberty with the realities many immigrants face today, this event draws ironic attention to current policies that many feel contradict the ideals the Statue of Liberty represents,” said event organizer and professional storyteller Judith Black.
The ad hoc group is composed of North Shore residents who are members of organizations such as League of Women Voters and Indivisible.
Black described Tuesday’s demonstration as a “soft start” and a “dress rehearsal.” The group now has further plans to take the flash mob to active courts in areas such as Chelmsford and Boston.
“It is our first time out, and the Lynn Court is not a hotbed of immigrant oppression. However, if an immigrant is brought to court for a misdemeanor or more serious crime, you can be sure that ICE is waiting outside the court to apprehend them,” Black said. “Even though it’s not the busiest of immigration courts, it seemed like a good place to start and see how it worked.”
After the demonstrations, performers will hand out information to resources including American Immigrant Lawyers Association, Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network, and LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts.
Black and fellow participants explained why they believe the flash mob approach is an effective method of storytelling and protesting.
“It’s a shakeup. It’s weird. Sometimes something theatrical can grab people’s attention, and get them thinking,” Black said.
“The visual element reminds people of who we are as a country,” performer Linda McLaughlin weighed in.
Participant Kathy Leonardson discussed her overall goal for the demonstration.
“Whoever happens to see that there are people concerned, maybe they’ll join us. I encourage people to get involved and be demonstrating when they can, because it encourages others to do the same,” she said.
