Millions Rally Globally in No Kings Protests for Democracy and Equality

Mass Mobilization: Millions Protest in No Kings Day of Defiance

On Saturday, October 18, a significant event unfolded in downtown San Francisco as approximately 50,000 individuals participated in the No Kings Day of Defiance march and rally. This gathering, organized by Indivisible San Francisco, 50501SF, and National Nurses United, was part of a global movement involving 2,700 events across the Bay Area, every state in the U.S., and internationally.

The demonstrations served as a response to ongoing political pressures, including policies perceived as threatening to Medicaid and essential services, as well as a contentious government shutdown. Participants voiced their opposition to these actions with the slogan, “This country belongs to us, the people, and in America, we don’t do kings.” This massive turnout marked the largest single day of protest since Donald Trump began his second presidential term.

The rally at Civic Center Plaza, which began with a march from the Embarcadero, featured speeches from various leaders and activists. Notable speakers included representatives from National Nurses United (NNU), Indivisible SF, and 50501SF, alongside members from the Arab Resources Organizing Center, California Labor Federation AFL-CIO, and ACLU Northern California. Renowned civil rights figures such as Angela Davis, Cleve Jones, and Honey Mahogany also addressed the crowd, following a performance by acclaimed folk musician Joan Baez.

Featured Speakers:

• Cathy Kennedy (President, National Nurses United)
• Puneet Maharaj (Executive Director, National Nurses United)
• Arthur Wolf (Indivisible SF/50501)
• Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher (President, California Labor Federation AFL-CIO)
• Angela Davis
• Abdi Soltani (Executive Director, ACLU NorCal)
• Lara Kiswani (Executive Director, AROC)
• Cleve Jones
• Honey Mahogany
• Sandy Reding (President, California Nurses Association)

Event Highlights from Various Locations:

• Washington, DC
• Atlanta, GA
• New York, NY
• Boston, MA
• San Francisco, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Charlotte, NC
• Orlando, FL
• Chattanooga, TN
• The Villages, FL
• Rockingham, VA
• Kansas City, MO
• Bozeman, MT
• Columbus, IN
• Miami, FL
• Dallas, TX

The day of defiance reflects a broader trend of public mobilization, with over five million people previously participating in a nationwide action on June 14. This burgeoning movement aims to protect democratic principles and challenge authoritarianism, with participants advocating for equality and the preservation of democratic governance.

National Nurses United, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S., boasts over 225,000 members nationwide. Affiliates include California Nurses Association, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.