To the editor:

For way too long, the average person in Jefferson County has not had a voice in their community. I discovered this several years ago when my work as a local activist put me in touch with men, women, children, workers of all kinds and even political leaders. Activities, policies and the messaging connected to those has been dominated by special interest groups, outsiders and party “machines.”

Those who differ with the viewpoint of the groups in power are often frustrated and intimidated into silence. That began to change on June 14, as so many without a voice found theirs during a rally on the sidewalks of downtown Steubenville. When co-organizer Richard Olivito and I first spoke about hosting a “No Kings” event, we hoped for the best but expected that maybe 10 of our friends would show up.

Imagine my surprise when a crowd of participants kept coming to join in. We gathered together and lined up along the sidewalk, proudly displaying our signs, not just to speak out against the authoritarian practices of the current federal administration, but to stand up for democracy and the values that our parents, and other Ohio Valley natives, instilled in us.

People from all walks of life showed up. They finally had a chance to stand strong and to be seen and heard. Participants came and went, and at the peak of activities, an independent head counter reported 190 people lined up, chanting for democracy and freedom for all of us. We know and gladly told those who passed by that it’s our country too, and we shouted it proudly, lovingly and without violence.

This event came together quickly and organically and several people deserve our thanks. Mel and Debbie Woods, Barbara and Michael Baird, Sharon Elliott and Josh Olivito helped with signs, registrations and were able to assist people when needed.

We thank local media for their news coverage. We owe a special debt of gratitude to City Manager Jim Mavromatis and local law enforcement for keeping us safe and ensuring a successful event without incident.

Let me also clear up any misconceptions about who orchestrated the rally. This was planned and staged by two private citizens and was strictly done for people, not political parties. We are nonpartisan independent operators and no one was paid. In fact, the rally was so successful that you can expect more events and more visibility in the future. We thank everyone who showed up in any way, and we welcome your positive voice.

As a child, I learned a lesson from my union leader father and find that lesson has become the cornerstone of activists today. My dad taught me always to challenge those in power and defend those without it. If we do that, our lives will always be on the right track.

More information on future events will soon be available on social media, and we can’t wait to see you at the next one.

Marjie DeFede

Rayland