Brookline, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A group of seniors in Brookline organizes weekly protests at the Coolidge Corner intersection, advocating for changes in health care, civil liberties, and immigration policies. Led by 90-year-old Annette Manasse, the ‘Rally for Democracy’ attracts around 50 participants each Saturday, highlighting issues like cuts to Medicaid and freedom of speech. Organizer Stephanie Schoen states their activism seeks to protect vital services for current and future generations, amidst a growing trend of senior protests nationwide.
Brookline — A group of seniors in Brookline organizes weekly protests against the Trump administration, gathering most Saturdays at the Coolidge Corner intersection to press for changes on health care, civil liberties and immigration policy.
What happened
Annette Manasse, a 90-year-old resident of Brookline, walks half a mile to participate in a weekly protest. Manasse has attended these protests every Saturday for the past few months. She uses a cane and wears sturdy sneakers while holding a poster referencing First Amendment rights. Approximately 50 other seniors joined Manasse at the Coolidge Corner intersection to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. The group of seniors refers to their gatherings as Rally for Democracy.
Why it matters
The Brookline gatherings are part of a broader pattern of senior activism that organizers and participants say aims to protect services and rights they consider essential for current and future generations. Common issues motivating the Brookline seniors include cuts to Medicaid, freedom of speech, and immigration policies. Organizer Stephanie Schoen cites the family separation policy under the Trump administration as a key driver of her decision to become more active.
Key details
- Frequency: Weekly, every Saturday.
- Typical attendance in Brookline: Approximately 50 other seniors joined Manasse at the Coolidge Corner intersection to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.
- Organizer: Stephanie Schoen, who moved into activism in response to feelings of anxiety and helplessness during the Trump presidency.
- Participant example: Annette Manasse, a 90-year-old resident of Brookline, walks half a mile to participate in a weekly protest.
- Group identity: The group of seniors refers to their gatherings as Rally for Democracy.
- Issues highlighted: cuts to Medicaid, freedom of speech, immigration policies, and the family separation policy.
Context and wider trends
Senior protests are occurring nationwide, targeting various issues related to the federal government. Many older Americans involved in local actions describe their organizing as a way to secure a better future for their descendants; some participants recall protesting during earlier national debates, including opposition to the Vietnam War. Despite broader demographic voting patterns that tend toward conservative preferences among older voters, the Brookline group represents a segment of seniors who are actively resisting specific policies from the current administration.
A Pew Research Center report indicates that 53% of registered voters aged 60 to 69 identify as Republican. Local organizers see their work as issue-driven rather than purely partisan, and they are attempting to attract younger participants to build multi-generational events. Sociology Professor Gary Fine notes possible generational challenges in collaborating across age groups during protests, including differing priorities and preferred methods of organizing. Organizers say attention to accessibility and location is important for the success of multi-generational gatherings, and participants stress the need to engage with current policy debates despite cultural or generational disconnects.
Voices and history
Several Brookline participants draw direct inspiration from past activism. One participant referenced protests from roughly 60 years ago and reported a sense of renewed purpose in current events. The group has adopted a light-hearted response to a previous public dismissal by a White House advisor, and members say that shared humor and long-term civic engagement help sustain attendance despite physical challenges faced by older demonstrators.
What to expect at the demonstrations
Events are held outdoors at a visible intersection in Coolidge Corner, typically in a form that aims to be accessible to older participants. Demonstrations consist mainly of standing or marching short distances, holding signs, and engaging passersby. Organizers emphasize a nonconfrontational approach focused on visibility and civic education.
FAQ
Who is participating in the Brookline protests?
Annette Manasse, a 90-year-old resident of Brookline, walks half a mile to participate in a weekly protest.
How often do the demonstrations occur?
Manasse has attended these protests every Saturday for the past few months.
How many people attend?
Approximately 50 other seniors joined Manasse at the Coolidge Corner intersection to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.
What are the main issues?
Common issues motivating the Brookline seniors include cuts to Medicaid, freedom of speech, and immigration policies.
Are similar protests happening elsewhere?
Senior protests are occurring nationwide, targeting various issues related to the federal government.
How does this fit with broader voter trends?
A Pew Research Center report indicates that 53% of registered voters aged 60 to 69 identify as Republican.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Brookline |
| Typical meeting point | Coolidge Corner intersection |
| Frequency | Weekly, every Saturday |
| Typical local attendance | Approximately 50 other seniors joined Manasse at the Coolidge Corner intersection to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. |
| Organizer | Stephanie Schoen |
| Participant example | Annette Manasse, a 90-year-old resident of Brookline, walks half a mile to participate in a weekly protest. |
| Group name | Rally for Democracy |
| Main issues | cuts to Medicaid; freedom of speech; immigration policies; family separation policy |
| Broader context | Senior protests are occurring nationwide, targeting various issues related to the federal government. |
| Related statistic | A Pew Research Center report indicates that 53% of registered voters aged 60 to 69 identify as Republican. |
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Additional Resources
- The Boston Globe: Boston Area Seniors Protest Donald Trump
- Patch: Seniors Holding Presidential Protest in Brookline
- MetroWest Daily News: Framingham Group Announces Local Hands-Off Rally
- Patch: Brookline Senior Living Facility Receives Renovation Help
- The Times of Israel: Barnard Senior’s Words for Pro-Palestinian Peers
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