Nearly 4,000 Protesters Rally at Cobbs Hill in 'Hands-Off Rochester' March

By Ellen Rosen

A huge thanks to our members who joined us on April 5 at Cobbs Hill for “Hands Off” Rochester rally and march.  Hands Off was a nationwide rally, with events staged in 1,300 communities across all 50 states.  Knowledge & Action Rochester was a sponsor of the local event, and Connor O’Brien, chairperson of the KAR steering committee, served as emcee.

The crowd at Cobbs Hill was estimated at nearly 4,000 people, far exceeding what organizers had expected. And most of the participants were carrying signs protesting the cost-cutting and government downsizings enacted by Elon Musk-led DOGE and the Trump Administration. 

Hands off our schools!
Hands off our bodies!
Hands off our Social Security
Hands off our legal immigrants, freedom of speech and our democracy!

Speakers shared stories of how the administration’s actions are adversely affecting many aspects of our lives, including health care, education, the environment, and workers’ rights, and are spreading fear among many communities, especially immigrants and LGBTQ+.

After the hour-long rally, the crowd made a peaceful march up Monroe Avenue, where they were greeted by honking horns and cheers from the passing motorists. Participants said they left the rally feeling energized, and less alone with their concerns about the future of our nation. Organizers promised that this was merely the first of many community actions, with more to come.

Ellen Rosen is co-chair of the KAR Communications Subcommitee.