In a domestic movement often characterized by the overwhelming magnitude of participants involved, the “No Kings Protests” took place on Oct. 18 in all 50 states.
The protests were in disapproval of the current administration amid tumultuous times with the government shutdown, an increase in uncertainty and social division among other factors.
In the 2,700 events that took place, more than seven million people were present and falling for a change against what they deemed to be a rapidly evolving authoritarian regime, according to the No Kings website.
From Spike Lee to Bill Nye, the Science Guy, these protests had larger implications than just going out in the streets and fighting for what’s right. Some protesters said it was a rebellion against the degradation of Constitutional Rights under the current administration.
How did President Donald Trump respond? He used AI-generated imagery to create a scene where he was flying above protesters in a fighter jet dropping feces on the protesters.
Protesters had signs concerning anti-authoritarian messaging, comparing the current administration to Nazis, pro-humanitarian efforts, environmental protection sentiments, Trump’s controversial past and so much more.
Senator Bernie Sanders was a guest speaker at the event, and his sentiments were poised to sway the crowd’s emotions to get them invested in his message.
“We have a president who sues and intimidates the media, who wants no criticism of him and his policies and undermines the First Amendment of our Constitution, the very foundation of our democracy,” he said. “Our country is in danger when he threatens to arrest or imprison political opponents who stand against him. It is in danger when we have a president who undermines freedom of thought and dissent in our colleges and universities.”
With each statement, a wall of boos could be heard from miles away. But when Sanders changed his rhetoric, so did the responses.
“My fellow Americans, we rejected the divine right of kings in the 1770s, we will not accept the divine rights of Oligarchs today,” he said. “Throughout the history of our country, when Americans have stood up and fought for justice, they have prevailed. When they set off to fight King George, they were told it was impossible, but they won. Abolitionists fought to end slavery; they were told it was impossible, but they won. Women fought for the right to vote; they were told it was impossible, but they won. Brothers and sisters, they did it then, we can and will do it now.”
The morale shift left a lingering electric cadence of cheers that shook the ground with each statement. Sanders was there not only to protest, but to offer hope in what seems to the protestors to be bleak times.
Emiliano Sanchez, an event organizer, said the diversity at the protest was refreshing to see, especially in the current political climate.
“It was great to see just how large the crowd was. It’s nice to know how many people feel the same way,” he said. “I see people of all ages here, people of all walks of life, and Bernie [Sanders] gave a great unifying speech. But all-in-all a lot of good energy so people seem to be turning the tides.”
Sanchez said the importance of amplifying their voice helps others with a similar mindset realize they’re not alone.
“Just getting the press coverage and letting people know, letting people see that a broad majority of Americans aren’t okay with what’s happening,” he said. “Most people don’t have an appetite for what this administration is gunning for. Yes, they have their base, but they’re generally not popular.”
When it comes to some of the things Sanchez disagrees with, the utilization of certain law enforcers seems to be counter intuitive to him.
“Most Americans don’t like the direction the country’s going, we can see it in our wallets every day, we have National Guard and DHS on the streets, things are still expensive and we still don’t get paid a lot, and all of our tax dollars are going to Israel or Argentina or somewhere else,” he said.
The presence of the National Guard and ICE in cities like Chicago makes him feel less safe. The safety and protection expected from their pretense instead created a deeper sense of mistrust.
“It made people feel less safe, because this whole crime wave people talk about, not a lot of citizens here recognize that,” he said. “But [when] we do see federal agents on the streets; they’re often found harassing someone or standing around wasting our tax dollars, and that’s best-case scenario.”
In preparation for the protests, Metropolitan Police Officer Harrison Baden said events like these are a regular occurrence, with people protesting every week, but their top priority is everyone’s safety.
“We’re pretty prepared for protests, especially for ones this big, that preparation happens months in advance,” he said. “We just try to make things go as peacefully as possible, let the people speak their minds, do what they need to do, and make sure they safely make it home.”
The importance of younger representation at these events is becoming the forefront of participation strategies, and Brandon Knight, being a part of Gen Z, talked about the importance of not just showing up but preserving the moment in time.
“I’m just documenting the people around, documenting the entire feeling and emotional weight of the protest,” he said. “I really like seeing other people using their voice for something good and just the sheer amount of people here coming together speaks volumes to what this means to people.”
When it comes to art, Knight said its impact lasts generations and it’s pivotal to understanding where humanity is in history.
Knight said art is a way of expression. “Art in that factor is tremendously important; it’s a window into what people are feeling,” he said.
Despite how differently people express themselves, Knight still sees that they all share the same message.
“He’s [Trump’s] trying to put death to art. Art is the spirit of humanity,” he said.
