A group of cultural leaders, artists, and local politicians gathered on December 15 at the Federal Hall rotunda in Manhattan to protest attacks on freedom of expression in the United States. The event, titled “First Amendment Day Rally,” was organized by the National Coalition Against Censorship, New Yorkers for Culture & Arts, and the First Amendment Culture Team (FACT).
The rally featured speakers such as artists Coco Fusco, Karen Finley, and George Emilio Sánchez, who spoke out in defense of creative freedom. One of the speakers, artist Felipe Galindo Feggo, shared his experience of being targeted by the Trump administration. His illustration depicting migrants watching July 4th celebrations through a border fence was removed from a display at the Smithsonian Institution after the White House objected to it.
Galindo expressed his concerns about the parallels between the suppression of art in the present day and the censorship of artists in Hitler’s Germany. He emphasized the importance of resisting any attempts to suppress freedom of expression.
Despite the small turnout of around 50 attendees at the rally, the issues raised by the speakers have far-reaching consequences across the nation. From individual artwork censorship to mass book bans and funding cuts, the threats to creative freedom are alarming.
Karen Finley, known for being one of the NEA Four, highlighted the parallels between the current climate of oppression and past struggles for artistic freedom. She emphasized the importance of fighting against censorship and defending the right to create art that raises awareness about social issues.
One of the most poignant moments of the rally came from disabled choreographer and dancer Alice Sheppard, who spoke about the intimate connection between art and accessibility for disabled individuals. She vowed not to be silenced in the face of government attempts to suppress marginalized voices.
The First Amendment Day Rally served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for creative freedom in the United States. As artists and activists continue to fight against censorship and oppression, the rallying cry of “The First Amendment was born here; we will not let it die here” echoes through the halls of Federal Hall, inspiring all who are committed to defending freedom of expression.
