Childhood Hymn Transforms into Powerful Protest Anthem at ICE OUT! Rally

A familiar song takes on new meaning as protesters in Boston unite through music and moral courage.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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At an ICE OUT! protest in Boston, a childhood hymn "This Little Light of Mine" was performed by the Good Trouble Brass Band, transforming the familiar song into a powerful reminder of how protest, memory, and moral courage can become one shared light. The writer, a former Catholic school student, reflects on the song's new meaning as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow protesters dedicated to preserving democracy.

Why it matters

The performance of this childhood hymn at the protest highlights how music and shared experiences can unite a community in standing up for important causes. The writer's personal connection to the song adds an emotional layer, showing how protest can become a way to reclaim and redefine the meaning of familiar symbols.

The details

The ICE OUT! protest in Boston featured influential speakers as well as musical performances by B! Vocal (Boston Voices of Community and Labor) and the Good Trouble Brass Band. As the writer attended the protest, the familiar refrain of "This Little Light of Mine" began to play, performed by the Good Trouble Brass Band. The writer, who had sung the song many times as a child in Catholic school, was struck by how the song took on new meaning as they stood with fellow protesters dedicated to preserving democracy.

  • The ICE OUT! protest took place on January 31, 2026 in front of the Massachusetts State House.
  • The writer attended the protest as a former student at a Catholic elementary school, where they sang "This Little Light of Mine" regularly during weekly Mass services.

The players

B! Vocal (Boston Voices of Community and Labor)

A musical group that performed at the ICE OUT! protest in Boston.

Good Trouble Brass Band

A musical group that performed at the ICE OUT! protest in Boston, including a rendition of the hymn "This Little Light of Mine".

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The takeaway

The performance of the childhood hymn "This Little Light of Mine" at the ICE OUT! protest in Boston demonstrates how familiar songs can take on new meaning and power when used to unite a community in standing up for important causes. The writer's personal connection to the song highlights how protest can become a way to reclaim and redefine the significance of symbols from one's past.