Many people underestimate the power of music. Melodies that raise the hairs on your arms. Beats that sync up with your heart. Words that feel like they could have come from your own brain. Music is made with the intention to make you feel something. Whether it be the pain the musician is going through, the joy they’re experiencing, or the hope they are trying to inspire, they want to stir the listener’s emotions, hoping you feel the way they felt while creating their masterpiece.
For times of resistance, there is protest music. These compositions are made to keep you going, even when it feels like the fight is impossible. That music is made to help you feel less alone in your fight; to let you know that there are others in this journey with you. When everything around you feels like it’s falling apart and no one is noticing, resistance songs are there to let you know that you aren’t crazy.
Protest music and resistance songs aren’t new. In fact, they’ve been around for centuries. In 1774, Dr. Joseph Warren wrote “Free Americay”, a popular song for the American Revolution against British tyranny. “Woodman, Spare That Tree!” by Henry Russell in 1837 was one of the first songs used to help advocate for environmentalism. The Hutchinson Family Singers created “Get Off The Track!”, a ballad that called for emancipation in 1844. A Pro-Suffrage song named “The Suffrage Flag” was written in 1884 by William. P. Atkinson proclaimed how much better the world would be when women were granted the right to vote (which wouldn’t happen for another 3 decades). Joe Hill, a labor activist, wrote “The Preacher and the Slave” in 1911 as a condemnation of the Salvation Army. There were songs that helped enslaved people find their way to freedom. Songs to reconnect those kidnapped people with the cultures they were robbed of, or deal with the grief of the family members they lost. These few songs are just a fraction of the protest music that emerged in the centuries leading up to the 21st, and every single one of them was important in its time. Some are still pertinent to the world we live in. (source)
Cover depicts a gentleman talking to a farmer holding an axe underneath a large tree. The farmer’s house and water well are visible. Russell, Henry, 1812-1900 (Composer) Morris, George P. (Lyricist)
Songs of resistance are still being made today. Music that tackles issues like women’s rights, healthcare reformation, and pushing back against harmful governments is alive and well in 2026. The main problem is that the musicians who create them are often overlooked in favor of popular mainstream artists whose only goal is to make another hit. Many radio stations stick to the fun songs, the dance tracks, the ballads about ex-lovers; anything that is deemed safe for the general population and won’t rock the boat with the people in charge.
Luckily, we no longer need to rely on radio stations that handpick the “more palatable” songs in an effort to keep us under a false sense of security or placate the conservative powers-that-be. We live in a modern age where we can discover new music from around the world and create our own playlists that reflect how we actually feel. Here are 5 songs for you to add to your modern resistance collection.
“Labour” by Paris Paloma Hard hitting lyrics: “All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid Nymph, then a virgin, nurse, then a servant Just an appendage, live to attend him So that he never lifts a finger 24/7 baby machine So he can live out his picket-fence dreams It's not an act of love if you make her You make me do too much labour”
“Take My Country Back” by Enter Shikari Hard hitting lyrics: “Get up, get up and feel the rising tide I’m fed up, fed up with all the cyanide. Don’t want to take my country back I want to take my country forward”
“Dead Men Don’t Rape” by Delilah Bon Hard hitting lyrics: “They get so offended when I say Dead men don't rape But where is their anger when I say Women are women are women are dying”
“THREAT LEVEL ORANGE” by Earth to Eve Hard hitting lyrics: “Ain't it obvious The person in the office is A racist Bride came in the mail, but he opposes immigration That's someone's abuelita Not a foreign armed invasion That would be the masked men raiding graduation ceremonies Unmarked vans snatching people off the street Broke amendments5, 10 and 14 At least But please, tell me again how this is still democracy”
“G-U-I-L-L-O-T-I-N-E” by HummusVacuum Hard hitting lyrics: “G-u-i-l-l-o-t-i-n-e Yeah, what might seem barbaric is a last resort to me ‘Cus we waited for our crumbs to trickle down so patiently And now we get to cosplay like it's 1933”
Protest music hasn’t gone anywhere. Sometimes you just need to search a little harder to find it. When you do, let the beat lead your steps. Let the words give you the courage to continue the fight. Let the songs of resistance deliver the message that you, and we, are not alone in this revolution.
Meet Food Not Bombs, a grassroots organization helping communities not only in New Jersey but across the country. Explore the Jersey Shore Network.
About 1 in 7 Americans live in households that have difficulty affording food, with nearly 18 million skipping meals. [source] FRAC is the main source for hunger statistics by race, indicating that food insecurity among Black (24.4%) and Hispanic (20.2%) households stays notably higher than the national average.
“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
Public Law 119-21, signed on July 4, 2025, details a $187 billion reduction in SNAP and Medicaid funding. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and Feeding America Action examined the potential impacts, particularly emphasizing the expanded work requirements for adults up to age 64 and the removal of eligibility for certain non-citizens, including refugees and asylees.
In New Jersey, the number of individuals getting SNAP benefits (commonly known as “NJ SNAP”) has varied considerably over the past year because of policy updates and economic changes.
According to the most recent data from the New Jersey Department of Human Services (December 2025), roughly 800,000 people receive SNAP benefits in the state. [source]
On September 20, 2025, the USDA stated it would end future Household Food Security Reports, citing them as “redundant” and “politicized.” This decision has sparked significant controversy among food security advocates.
Who is Food Not Bombs
Food Not Bombs (FNB) is a decentralized, international volunteer network that salvages food destined for disposal and distributes it as free vegan and vegetarian meals. Instead of functioning as a conventional charity, the organization sees itself as a form of nonviolent direct action, protesting war, poverty, and the “military-industrial complex”.
Values:
Always Vegan or Vegetarian
Autonomous and Decentralized
Solidarity, Not Charity
The group was founded in 1980 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by activists opposed to nuclear energy. Their first protest occurred outside the Federal Reserve Bank in 1981, protesting nuclear sector investments. Today, Food Not Bombs has over 1,000 chapters across 60 countries. In addition to providing meals, chapters often support protests, strikes, and occupations logistically. They were among the first to deliver food during disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Asian Tsunami.
In New Jersey, several active or historically significant chapters share food in public spaces. Known locations include:
New Brunswick: Historically, it has served on Tuesday mornings at the corner of French St. and Jersey Ave., often offering coffee and bread to workers and unhoused individuals.
Trenton: Has shared meals at locations like the Imani Center on Sundays.
Asbury Park (Jersey Shore): Operates as a local collective serving the shore community.
Camden, Jersey City, and Hoboken have also hosted independent FNB collectives.
Food Not Bombs plays a vital role in supporting communities that have been neglected by their government.
Explore the action on February 20th, 2026, in Lakewood, NJ.
Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera: A service-driven future leader for FL District 6. Protecting Social Security, housing, and families. #UnitedUnafraid
When family values create a politician:
Beginning in the concrete jungle of New York City gave a future politician the values to lead the Sixth District of the Sunshine State of Florida. Because of his upbringing, Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera pledges to bring his leadership back to his roots. He was born and raised in New York City, in a working-class family with limited resources. One of his core values is that family comes first. His family taught him to work hard and stay honest. Values we can all agree a politician should have, and that working-class families in New York and Florida share.
“You worked hard, stayed honest, and treated people with respect. Service was not something we talked about; it was something we lived every day. That upbringing shaped who I am and how I serve today.”
Ronnie is guided by his mother, who has shaped him to know to do what is right, even when it is hard. His mother taught him strength, honesty, and compassion; these values became the foundation for the promises Ronnie makes to serve the people of the 6th district. When Ronnie faces difficult decisions, integrity, fairness, and courage guide him. His mother’s lessons guide him every day.
Ronnie and his mom. Kim, 2006.
When a career in service showed a failed system:
Working in EMS and later in law enforcement exposed him to life at its hardest moments, when people were most vulnerable. He witnessed families losing loved ones, seniors alone with no support, and working people struggling just to survive. Those experiences stayed with him every day. They taught Ronnie that public service is not a theory; it is personal. It is about standing with people when they feel invisible and ensuring systems protect them rather than fail them.
Randy Fine has done the opposite with proposed laws like no welfare for non-citizens, despite the fact that people without a social security number already do not qualify, and attempting to enact the “No Sharia” law, stoking Islamophobia
Ronnie’s life experiences have shaped not only his mission but also his future as a politician to the people of Florida. Ronnie’s first job was serving the people. Teaching him in his early career more about life than anything else. He exemplifies the understanding of struggle, fear, hope, and strength in a single shift as a first responder. A powerful testimant he learned that work is about purpose, showing up when people need you most, and making a difference in real lives. Lives that contribute billions of dollars to communities and a constituent base of everyday working-class families.
Ronnie’s first job at Bed Stuy Volunteer EMS
The American dream has faded for many people, but the teachings of working-class struggle shaped Ronnie. Earlier in life, he believed hard work guaranteed stability. Real life showed Ronnie that it was not always true. Seeing hardworking families still struggling with healthcare, housing, and rising costs, listening to people, and seeing those gaps changed his perspective. He chose to grow. Growth is something everyone should commit to daily, especially our politicians. Leadership means learning, listening, and being willing to change when truth demands it. Ronnie pledges those core beliefs he feels are a politician’s duty.
The Commitments of a Future Representative
Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera is making an impact, letting Randy Fine know that nothing is fine. Ronnie is a left-leaning progressive Democrat with the self-identified label of “Radical Leftist Scum”. The slur was launched by Donald Trump in December of 2025. The RLS movement has now spread worldwide and has become a major trending topic on social media for months. RLS is not, in fact, radical; it affirms that all people are granted their constitutional rights and the freedom to pursue personal progress. Residents in the sixth district want to reclaim their home taken over by right-wing ideology. A change in perspective, currently shaping Florida is what constituents want.
Florida’s 6th Congressional District exemplifies Florida’s dual character: it combines the lively vibrancy of the “World’s Most Famous Beach” with peaceful inland agricultural areas. Located on the northeastern coast, it extends inland toward Central Florida’s core.
Voters in the 6th district are demanding change. Rising housing costs threaten the sustainability of lifelong residents. Two-thirds of voters are retired or nearing retirement and fear for their Social Security benefits. Ronnie pledges to represent them.
In 2026, the debate over Social Security has shifted from a theoretical “looming crisis” to a pressing legislative priority, as the trust fund exhaustion date—now projected as early as 2032—falls within the terms of Senators elected this year.
Ronnie on the issue –
“These programs are earned benefits from a lifetime of work. I will protect Social Security and Medicare from cuts and privatization. I will fight to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen healthcare access, and protect the dignity and security of our seniors. Retirement should bring peace of mind, not fear.”
Families are feeling the weight of rising costs every day. Housing, healthcare, and groceries are stretching budgets. Ronnie is fighting to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, support fair wages, expand affordable housing, and ensure working families are not left behind. American Stability should not feel out of reach for the working class. A future of possibility strengthens communities across America; it shapes the values of millions striving to be citizens of the United States.
Ronnie on the current administration’s immigration policy:
“A nation of laws must also be a nation of justice. We need real immigration reform, humane policies, and accountability. Families belong together, human rights come first, and yes we must abolish ICE and replace it with a system that is lawful, transparent, and rooted in dignity.”
A strong opponent is needed to unseat Randy Fine, the successor to Michael Waltz, leaving his position to serve the Trump administration. An admin who poses challenges to politicians not part of the status quo. Communities across America shape the values of millions. Ronnie pledges and shows that he is the opponent to defeat Randy Fine.
When asked how he plans to win, a clear response and a value-based plan is seen,
“My campaign is about people, not division. Progressive values mean opportunity, fairness, healthcare, education, and dignity for everyone. Many extreme policies come from fear and distraction instead of real solutions. My focus is lowering costs, protecting healthcare, strengthening Social Security, and making government work for everyday people.”
Millions were promised fair housing, lower costs, and affordable solutions to their challenges. The Trump administration has failed, and so has Randy Fine. The call is clear: a candidate with the grit to fight and challenge toxic MAGA ideologies must win this election in Florida’s 6th District. The people need it, and Ronnie wants them to know he is ready. The fight will continue every day, and justice will be served through equitable public service for the people, not the elite.
Ronnie founded a nonprofit in New York City helping homeless families, children, veterans, and anyone in need get food, shelter, and support. Committed to working with local food banks and outreach programs, he served in a way that reflected his drive to help the neighbors he saw struggling. Ronnie volunteered as a music teacher in a New York City public school and later coached youth football for the Mount Dora Hurricanes, mentoring young people on discipline, teamwork, and character.
“I was drawn to this work because when you see a need, you step forward. Strong communities are built when we lift each other up.”
To Ronnie, “United Unafraid” represents unity, strength, and courage. Communities are strongest when they stand together and refuse to be divided. Something Randy Fine has not committed to every day, but instead has chosen to spread division. The constituents want Unity. These values reflect honesty, resilience, and shared purpose. Together, everyone overcomes and moves forward. The mission is clear: unify the people and secure the prospects of communities for future generations, as one-fifth of voters are entering adulthood and now face navigating policies in a broken system not guaranteed to succeed. The prospects of communities for future generations.
I am running because public service means protecting people, defending dignity, and standing up when our community needs a voice. Too many families feel unheard and left behind. I have spent my life serving others and I have seen both the strength of our people and the struggles they face.
I am running for seniors who deserve security. For working families who should not have to choose between healthcare, housing, and food. For veterans who deserve care and respect. For children who deserve safe communities and real opportunity.
I am running for those who feel targeted or unheard, including the LGBTQ community who deserve dignity and equal protection. I believe deeply in the Constitution and the rule of law. As a former law enforcement officer, I also believe law enforcement must protect rights, not violate them. Many families are living in fear, and when fear replaces trust, communities suffer.
I am running because division is being pushed into our communities. Race, fear, and anger are being used to separate people instead of unite them. That weakens our country and distracts from real issues. America is strongest when we stand together.
I am running to protect our environment, protect housing stability, and protect children and families. Our future depends on it.
People are ready for leadership that listens, cares, and acts with compassion and courage. I am running to bring people together, restore trust, and fight for a future where every family has opportunity, security, and hope.
Public service is about people. And I will never stop fighting for them.
Florida, will you make the stand for a better future where housing is a secured right and you can afford not only to live but to prosper in safety and potential?
ICE targets a Lindenwold bus stop, sparking fear and protests. Gov. officials and neighbors rally for NJ students after a chaotic morning.
Thursday, the eve of the weekend. A typical day for students heading to school. There was no delayed opening, but for many, the school day was disrupted and chaotic, hindering learning. Children screaming, parents alerting their neighbors. A fear-stricken community in Lindenwold, NJ, was targeted by ICE Agents while parents were at the bus stop with their kids.
On February 12th, 2026, ICE agents targeted the bus stop at Woodland Village Apartments for 4th and 5th-graders. The bus driver circulates around the complex, rescuing kids from the dangers posed by Trump’s masked secret police.
On Friday, Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. issued a statement regarding the incident.
“The absolute chaos sowed by this ICE operation in Lindenwold yesterday morning was appalling,” Cappelli Jr. wrote. “At the moment we are short on facts and details about the intentions of ICE and do know at some point they called 911 for support. That said, the impact and fear that struck the children of our county was painful to watch and I can’t imagine the anxiety and trauma that came from this incident. We have a dialogue with our Congressman who is helping us get answers to what happened yesterday. I also want to applaud the work of the Superintendent of the Lindenwold Schools whose staff jumped into action to identify the whereabouts of the students and ensure their safety. Furthermore, as a community, segments of our population are being terrorized and scared to leave their homes. This is no way for any of us to live.”
As you can see, students are running, and community members are shouting “ICE, ICE” to alert neighbors to the dangers outside their doors. For many in this community, they fear that when leaving their homes, they may not come back to their families. With nearly 30% of the community in Lindenwold, NJ, being Latino or Hispanic, a large portion of the community is actively being targeted and labelled as “Illegal”.
The following day, Cooper River Indivisible organized a protest that drew hundreds of people from the broader community and gained the attention of elected officials like Donald Norcross.
Sharon Schultz, a left-leaning progressive from South Jersey, attended the protest. Sharon grew up primarily in Detroit and emigrated to New Jersey when she was fourteen. She had attended a protest with her mother for pro-life causes in high school, but this was her first time at an anti-ICE action.
When Sharon was asked how the atmosphere was at the protest, she shared,
“Super positive! Lindenwold police were on site, supportive in general. People were energized, lots of Bad Bunny. People driving by were very engaged, lots of positive, but also a good amount of negative, thumbs down, middle fingers and such.”
Like Sharon, many others are looking to get involved, and Sharon learned about the protest through an Instagram post and confirmed its legitimacy with Cooper River Indivisible. She was looking for ways to get involved and stand up against Trump’s policies, but kept hearing about events after they had happened. She caught this one in time and showed up to support her community.
Many members of the community cheered for justice, and the main driver of organizing was the strength of Cooper River Indivisible’s individuals.
At the protest, organizers from Cooper River Indivisible interviewed organizer Tatiana, who had these powerful statements.
Following a chaotic morning shooting on Kings Road, Roxbury residents are demanding answers. Between a controversial 470,000-square-foot warehouse proposal and increased ICE activity across NJ
“I was born here, but I’m still nervous. It does not go by me every day to think that I could be stopped,” Roxbury Township resident Sharon Medina said at Tuesday night’s meeting.
ICE has been targeting New Jersey since July of 2025, and residents are fed up. On February 10th, 2026, around 7 am, a shooting occurred in Roxbury, NJ, on Kings Road across from the historic train station.
“I saw a video earlier today where the gentleman was not in a car and there was a gun drawn facing him in the street in our area,” resident Diana May said
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says an ICE officer shot out the tires of a vehicle that rammed a law enforcement vehicle during an immigration arrest on Tuesday in Roxbury. According to a DHS spokesperson, federal agents were conducting a planned operation to take Jesus Fabian Lopez-Banegas into custody.
“In an attempt to evade arrest, Lopez-Banegas rammed into a law enforcement vehicle and weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,” the DHS statement said.
“We recognize that matters of this nature raise concerns within our communities,” Davenport’s statement continued. “Public safety remains our top priority. As Acting Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, it is my duty to protect the safety of residents of this state and uphold the Constitution. I will do everything in my power to fulfill this responsibility.”
ICE has been spotted in Hoptacong, NJ, multiple times over the past few days. Video evidence shows ICE performing vehicle stops in neighborhoods, stoking fear amongst residents.
On February 10th, around 6pm, ICE vehicles were spotted being transported westbound on Route 80. DHS has not disclosed the vehicles’ destinations, and the department has refused to comment on the activity.
The protests in Roxbury, New Jersey, were triggered by reports that the federal government plans to convert a massive local warehouse into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility.
The controversy began in late December 2025 and continued into January 2026 after The Washington Post reported leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents. These documents identify a 470,000-square-foot warehouse on Route 46 as a possible site to hold up to 1,500 detainees. Many protesters contend that warehouses are meant for “packages, not people,” pointing out issues such as inadequate ventilation, lack of natural light, and poor sanitation. Local residents and the all-Republican town council are worried about the impact on infrastructure, including water supplies, sewers, and emergency services like police and fire. On January 13, 2026, Roxbury’s town council unanimously adopted a resolution firmly opposing the facility.
The Legal Battle
Although New Jersey enacted a law in 2021 that prevents towns and counties from contracting with ICE, private companies such as Dalfen Industrial, owner of the Roxbury warehouse, can still collaborate with the federal government. Protesters are now urging the town to utilize zoning ordinances and land-use laws to block the facility, contending that, despite the federal government’s “supremacy,” private corporations are still required to adhere to local building and safety regulations.
Getting Involved
Protests will continue, and on Presidents Day 2026, a protest will take place at Ledgewood Commons in Ledgewood, NJ.
The flyer distributed by the activist group No Ice Roxbury is as follows.
