RACINE, WI – For Cindy Stanbrook, going to ‘No Kings’ protests are about making a difference.
“We need support,” Stanbrook said. “People need to come together and save our country.”
Roughly 2,500 demonstrators took part in the event tfrom 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Highways 20 and 31, the busiest intersection in the county.
In October, an estimated 2,000 demonstrators gathered at the same intersection. The same gathering happened last June.
The No Kings’ website claims that on Oct. 18, 2026, over seven million Americans joined 2,700+ events in all 50 states.
Demonstrators held signs with messages for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, President Donald Trump, and against the Iran war.
Stanbrook has been to several protests before, including ‘No Kings.’ She continues to hold signs, hoping it’ll make a difference and that a “few more people see the light.”
Kelly Gallaher, chair of the Democratic Party of Racine County, said the protests are a form civil engagement.
“No King Day is really about the people who show up – neighbors, families, and friends,” she said. “It’s a call to action, but also a reminder that civic engagement can be both meaningful and fun.”
Linda, of Mount Pleasant, who didn’t disclose her last name, said she keeps coming out to these demonstrations because people’s rights are being taken away.
“People can’t afford food,” Linda said. “The oil companies are polluting the Earth.”
No Kings protests across the country
The No Kings protest movement is organized by the 50501 Movement, a coalition named for its goal of staging demonstrations in all 50 states. The first large-scale rally took place in June 2025, followed by a second in October 2025.
Protests were formed in opposition to what organizers describe as the Trump administration’s anti-democratic actions, according to an article from NPR. Those grievances have grown to immigration enforcement, the war in Iran, and federal law-enforcement crackdowns in cities.
The March 28 demonstrations marked the third nationwide No Kings event, with more than 3,100 registered events across all 50 states, about 500 more than in October, a report from CBS News reads. Organizers estimated the first two rounds drew more than 5 million people in June and 7 million in October.
Numbers for Saturday are still being confirmed, but 50501 estimated more than 9 million people would participate.
Editor’s note: All photos by Mark Hertzberg.
