Lawrence residents can join the national wave of No Kings protesters throughout Kansas with a local demonstration this weekend.
No Kings is a nationwide movement of peaceful protests. Demonstrations drew millions across the country in June in response to a costly parade and display of militarism planned by Trump for his birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” the No Kings website reads. “But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
Hundreds, if not more than a thousand, protesters showed up in Lawrence’s Watson Park this past June with chants, signs and calls for Trump’s authoritarianism to be overthrown.
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The national No Kings collective hopes to again mobilize millions on Oct. 18 to declare the power of the people.
Organizers with the Arc of Justice — a Kansas-based grassroots newsletter focused on the fight against fascism — and the Still We Rise activist workgroup are planning a Lawrence protest officially registered with the No Kings group. It will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Watson Park at West Sixth and Kentucky streets.
“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” the event page reads. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events.”
The page also said that weapons, whether legal or not, shouldn’t be brought.
Register for the Lawrence protest here.
Visit Arc of Justice’s website, arcandreturn.wordpress.com, for protesting tips and more information.
No Kings is hosting a workshop in partnership with ACLU on protest safety, knowing your rights and de-escalation at 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 via Zoom. Register here to receive the link.
Multiple protests will be happening throughout Kansas and Missouri on Oct. 18, including in Topeka, Ottawa, Eudora, Emporia and Kansas City. Find the complete map of registered demonstrations here.
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