URBANA - When millions of Americans stepped into the streets this past June for the first “No Kings” day of action, it wasn’t just a single day’s protest. For many, it felt like the spark of something larger. Now, four months later, that spark has grown into a nationwide call for unity and defiance. On October 18, people from every corner of the country will gather again to raise their voices against what they see as a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
More than 2,100 local protests and rallies have already been confirmed, stretching across all 50 states. Organizers expect the turnout to surpass June’s demonstrations, which drew an estimated five million participants. From small towns to major cities, the gatherings are intended to be peaceful yet powerful reminders that democracy belongs to the people.
“Trump wanted a coronation on his birthday, and what he got instead was millions of people standing up to say no kings,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible. “On October 18, we’re going to show up stronger and more organized than ever before.”
For community members preparing to join the marches, the day is about more than politics. April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, described it as a defense of what everyday people have built together. “Working people built this country, not billionaires,” she said. “We’re protecting what we’ve built, and we’re building what’s next.”
That sense of collective ownership runs through many of the groups now organizing events. Nurses plan to march alongside teachers. Environmental advocates will walk with civil rights organizers. Veterans will stand shoulder to shoulder with young people rallying for the first time. Each community carries its own reasons for being there, but all are tied together by a common theme: resisting the concentration of power in one man’s hands.
For Jacob Thomas, a U.S. Air Force veteran, it comes down to honoring the oath he once swore. “Generations before us defeated fascism abroad,” he said. “Now it is up to us to defeat fascism at home.”
Organizers emphasize that the demonstrations will remain peaceful, with volunteers trained in de-escalation and safety. Local partners are working to create spaces where families can participate, and where communities can share both their frustrations and their hopes.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said that hope remains at the heart of the effort. “This country does not and will never have a king,” she said. “The power of the people is and will continue to be greater than the man obsessed with keeping power for himself.”
As October 18 approaches, the coalition behind the movement — which includes Indivisible, SEIU, Human Rights Campaign, ACLU, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, MoveOn, and many others — is asking neighbors to bring their families, their signs, and their voices. Whether in a downtown square or a small-town park, they say the act of showing up together is what matters most.
“It’s not about party, it’s about what Americans want and need,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “A government that upholds freedom and opportunity. A government that solves problems. A government that believes in democracy, not dictatorship.”
For those planning to attend, details about participating cities and local events can be found at NoKings.org. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief that, in America, power must remain with the people — not with a king.
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