Protesters across the United States mobilized this past Saturday, October 18, for the second major wave of demonstrations organized under the banner of “No Kings.” The movement, which takes a fiercely pro-democracy stance, saw participation from an estimated seven million people across 2,700 events nationwide, as organizers celebrate a powerful display of public opposition.
Origins and Core Message
The “No Kings” protests are rooted in public opposition to the policies and decisions made during the second presidency of Donald Trump. Protesters voice concerns over what they perceive as a trend toward authoritarianism and a departure from the democratic norms and constitutional balance of power upon which the U.S. government was founded.
The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” is a direct reference to the founding principles of the United States, which rejected monarchy and single-sovereign rule. Demonstrators believe President Trump is acting more like a king than a president. Their concerns span several policy areas, including:
• Trump’s deployment of the military in domestic cities or for immigration enforcement.
• Policies regarding immigration.
• Multiple social and economic policies.
Local Turnouts in the Mid-South
Significant turnouts were reported in local areas, including communities in Tennessee and Mississippi.
• Memphis, Tennessee: Congressman Steve Cohen reported that over 1,000 people attended the event in the city.
• Hernando, Mississippi: Despite being a local event, an estimated 300 people gathered to protest on the Square.
• Speakers: Dianne Dodson Black, an Olive Branch community activist and Democratic candidate for the Mississippi State Senate District 19 seat, spoke at the Hernando event. According to Desoto County News, she “spoke passionately about the government shutdown and its impact on working families.”
Other locations in Mississippi that hosted “No Kings” events included Gulfport, Oxford, Jackson, Tupelo, Starkville, Hattiesburg, and Corinth.
What’s Next for No Kings?
Following the successful demonstrations, the “No Kings” organization is planning its next steps.
The group hosted a virtual event called “Mass Call”, Monday, October 20, between 8-9 PM EDT. The event was open to the public and served to celebrate the gathering of over seven million participants and discuss the future direction of the movement.
