By: Hannah Moore
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The third nationwide “No Kings” protest since Donald Trump’s inauguration took place Saturday, March 28.
Community members in Fayetteville, Arkansas took part in the demonstration hosted by Indivisible Northwest Arkansas. The mass call on their website urged participants to “step up, learn new skills, drive real impact and create lasting change in your community and beyond.”
The demonstration started with protesters meeting in between Lafeyette Street and Dickson Street on North Highland Avenue at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., protesters followed Indivisible NWA volunteers and the Fayetteville Police Department down Dickson Street to the Upper Ramble. Protesters of all ages attended the demonstration, with some carrying signs, dressing up, and using microphones and megaphones to speak out for their beliefs.
A mother who stood at the front of the Upper Ramble stated why is was important for her to be a part of the nationwide demonstration.
“My mother is a German citizen who grew up during World War two, and she would tell me stories of the things that her mother would do to help the Jews in Germany,” Erika McMahon said. “My daughter and I just got back from Delco and the horrifying part about it was it was no longer horrifying, after what’s going on in America. So, I feel like we have to do something.”
McMahon, who attended all of the previous “No Kings” demonstrations, said the turnout in downtown Fayetteville gave her hope.
“I expected it to be big,” McMahon said. “The second one was also big, but I’m glad that this one’s even bigger. We need to show up everywhere all the time.”
She added that being around others who share her concerns made her feel less isolated and more optimistic.
A rally begun after the march at 10:30 a.m. with speakers and live music for anyone to join. One Navy veteran, Jeremy McManes, was a volunteer and part of a few people who spoke on stage at the rally. He said he became involved in political activism to protect the constitution and be an example for his young child.
“Today, millions of Americans are gathering just like this because they’re worried about the same exact things,” McCanes said. “About leaders who undermine trust in elections.”
Other speakers at the rally raised concerns about current government leadership, the expansion of political power, and accountability for those in office.
The “No Throwns, No Crowns, No Kings” mass call stated that all 50 states participated in the protest.
“With the day far from over, the No Kings Coalition can now estimate that over 8 million people participated in No Kings 3,” Indivisible NWA said. “That means NK3 was the largest single day of protest in American history.”
Indivisible said a mass call will take place Tuesday, March 31, at 5 p.m. PT for coalition leaders to plan how to direct power and energy into action against the government takeover.