PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As it marks the third anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Berkshire County demonstrators gathered in opposition to, and to remember, the events of Jan. 6, 2021. The attack is still palpable locally, with a strong sense of urgency to protect democracy.
Speakers at the rally, organized by the Berkshire Democratic Brigades, included Michael Wise who shared a speech delivered by President Joe Biden. The call to action was clear: the significance of defending American democracy was underscored as the crowd stood in solidarity against the violent attack on the Capitol.
The insurrection, which was driven by baseless conspiracy theories, aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 general election, following President Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump. The implications of the attack continue to reverberate, with more than 1,000 people nationwide facing prosecution for their roles in the events of Jan. 6.
The significance of the rally was not lost on the attendees. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier both emphasized the importance of defending democracy. Berkshire NAACP President Dennis Powell also highlighted the current threats facing the right to vote and freedom of speech.
The demonstrations in Pittsfield and the call to action from various community organizations serve as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the Jan. 6 attack on American democracy. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the insurrection, the message to the community is clear: the fight to protect and uphold democracy is far from over.