Large crowds of protesters gathered along the streets surrounding Pennsylvania State Representative Ryan Mackenzie’s office — reflecting a small piece of a much larger global movement known as “No Kings” on March 28.
Allentown School District teacher Brandi Kennedy attended the recent No Kings protest along with the previous two protests to demonstrate her support for America’s youth.
“Public schools are under attack,” Kennedy said. “I work in the city of Allentown where many of my students are immigrants, and I fear for their safety.”
Since Trump’s second inauguration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded with an increase in budget, an increase in agents, and an increase in appearances in headlines. Within the first seven months of Trump’s presidency, over 11,000 parents were detained and separated from their children, according to ProPublica.
Emmaus High School Class of 2025 graduate Skyler Thompson took to the streets in a long red dress and a white brimmed bonnet to symbolize the characters from the book “A Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, drawing similarities between the dystopian world in which fertile women are enslaved by men to bear their children, and the current political climate.
“I think that this is a good symbol of where our country is headed in the next few years if we don’t make a change, if we don’t get him out of office, if we don’t change people’s mindsets, this could be where it leads,” Thompson said.
Thompson has attended protests against Trump since 2017, speaking out against injustices she believes many face in America.
“Neighbors are getting taken away off our streets in violent ways. [This event is] important to me because I never want to stay silent in a situation like this,” Thompson said.
The No Kings movement first gained attention on June 14, 2025, coinciding with the United States of America’s Army’s anniversary parade — a celebration that overlapped with President Donald J. Trump’s birthday. Organized protests took place all over the nation, with protesters expressing their opposition to Trump’s policies and his expanding executive power. The phrase “No Kings” stems from the central message of the movement: political authority within the United States of America comes from the people, not a king.
In the months that followed, the movement reemerged on October 18, 2025, with over 2,700 events across all 50 states, a national demonstration that was larger than both of Trump’s inaugurations combined. While earlier demonstrations focused on concerns surrounding executive power, these later events also acknowledged ongoing political developments, including federal involvement in major cities and debates over freedom of speech and government authority.
As protesters fringe South Cedar Crest Blvd, many cars honk while passing by, showing their support for the cause. From megaphones to chants, protesters ensured their voices were heard.
Protester Lois Confer attended the No Kings protest with a colorful sign that read “SUPER CALLOUS FASCIST RACIST SEXIST NAZI POTUS,” underlining her perception of Trump’s behavior in the White House as insensitive and discriminatory.
“This president does not stand for values. We need democracy. We need morals. There’s just so much that [Trump] tore down,” Confer said, “and it’s going to take years and years to rebuild — even with our allies.”
The recent No Kings protest was estimated to have over eight million participants with 3,300 demonstrations across all 50 states. As No Kings continues to break records with each event, many Americans show their willingness to fight for democracy and the future.
“I want to let young people know, and my students know that we’re not okay with what’s going on. We’re going to fight against it every step of the way, and we’re doing it for you guys,” Kennedy said.
