Progressive Women of Greater Hartford used street theatre in West Hartford on Sept. 20 to call attention to words and phrases they say were scrubbed from federal websites and research.

ProWo WORDS THAT MATTER demonstration in Blue Black Square on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

By Mia Jaworski

The event, called “WORDS THAT MATTER,” featured activists dressed in black performing call-and-response chants and displaying signs in a theatrical demonstration.

ProWo said the action was a public affirmation of hundreds of words and terms linked to diversity, equity, health, and social programs that the Trump administration attempted to erase from federal agencies and policies.

“Say it with me West Hartford, these words matter,” advocates shouted, leading the crowd in unison. 

Another chant emphasized the real-world impact: “Plays, community health centers, universities, mental health providers, your local schools, gun violence prevention programs, museums, culture … we all know you and your community look for these benefits and these services, and they cannot be denied,” said the demonstrators.

ProWo WORDS THAT MATTER demonstration in Blue Black Square on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

Street theatre activism uses performance, music, and visual art to bypass traditional media, bringing its message directly into public spaces to spark awareness and discussion.

The activists used synchronized movements, chants, and brightly colored signs against their all-black outfits to turn the public space into a stage, creating a compelling visual and auditory performance.

ProWo. Courtesy Image.

ProWo, a grassroots network of more than 200 women in the Greater Hartford area, advocates for democracy, social justice, inclusivity, and equality through education, organizing, and political action.

Saturday’s protest focused on words the group said federal officials had discouraged or removed, including “mental health,” “affordable housing,” “clean water,” “vaccines,” “women,” and even “peanut allergies.”

ProWo WORDS THAT MATTER demonstration in Blue Black Square on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

ProWo’s next scheduled demonstrations are set for Oct. 4 and Oct. 18 at the “No Kings 2.0 Rally” at the state Capitol in Hartford. More information can be viewed on their website. 

ProWo WORDS THAT MATTER demonstration in Blue Black Square on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

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