The No Kings Protests, which took place across many cities in the United States and overseas, drew millions last weekend. Despite Trump’s efforts to halt the over 2,000 planned protests, an estimated six million people peacefully participated in the movement.
However, to say the atmosphere was peaceful would be an understatement. Tens of thousands of people gathered on Saturday at the Texas Capitol in Austin, including my family and me. This was my first time attending a rally, but this No Kings Protest was a huge success. Even knowing that everyone there shared the same mindset, it was still surprising to see such a festive atmosphere.
Crowds were sitting on blankets with their families. Children were running around with balloons, and the mood was jovial and brotherly. There were speakers in front of the state capitol with hundreds of people holding anti-Trump signs. In the streets, people were waving flags and dancing to the beat of protesters’ drums. And then to finish it off, an impromptu march through downtown Austin. This is the best display of First Amendment Rights I have been lucky enough to be a part of.
Over 2000 Hands Off! mass action protests, including the No Kings, were held at state capitols and federal buildings across the U.S. by the progressive group Indivisible and grassroots collective 50501.
A Day of Peaceful Defiance For The People
No Kings was a nationwide day of defiance, our chance to take action against authoritarianism, against unlawful deportations, and stand up for our civil rights. And we did it in a way we can be proud of.
It was set to go from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., but demonstrators began gathering on the south steps of the Texas Capitol an hour early. By 6:30 p.m., the crowd had grown to more than 10,000, according to state troopers, and crowds continued to march through the streets another two hours after it ended.
This circus-themed event was a huge success and included Democratic officials from Central Texas. This event was something the people needed, to support their rights, protest their wrongs, and show President Trump that the world sees him as a clown, complete with makeup!
The demonstrations remained peaceful, leaving the police officers on motorcycles and state troopers on horses with nothing to do but try and remain straight-faced amid the revelry. One such reveler going by “Taco Trump”, did what she could to trade some quips with officers, but all she got was the hint of a smile before she danced away.
We The People Are Taking Back Our Country
So, thank you to those who attended, your voice was heard! Thank you for doing your part to keep it peaceful. Your effort was seen. And to those who didn’t attend, we welcome you to join us at the next one. This is what it looks like when we all come together. Indivisible!
This was a group effort to capture these moments while taking part in this important movement. Thank you, Austin, Texas, for standing with us!
