Local activists plan second ‘No Kings’ event centered on democracy, dignity

A second “No Kings Rally” is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, near downtown Centreville. Organizers say St. Joseph County residents will gather from 3 to 5 p.m. for what they describe as a pro-democracy event featuring speakers, music, and peaceful protest.

Co-organizer Dan Moyle said the group hopes to focus on shared values rather than political divisions. “This time we want to do more than say what we’re against,” Moyle said. “We want to promote what we’re for: freedom and dignity for every person, love of our neighbors, and hope for a better future.”

The first No Kings event, held June 14, drew participants locally and across the country, according to organizers. They say the rallies are part of a larger national movement that began earlier this year to advocate for democratic principles and nonviolent civic engagement.

According to a release sent to Watershed Voice, the No Kings movement began in June when “millions of people across America peacefully mobilized and took to the streets to declare with one voice: America has No Kings.” It further states that the demonstrations were intended to call attention to what participants view as threats to democracy under the current administration.

In the release, organizers criticized what they described as “authoritarian” actions by President Donald Trump’s administration, including immigration enforcement practices, efforts to influence elections, and policy changes affecting health care, education, and the environment. They said the movement’s goal is to “promote freedom and dignity for every person” through nonviolent civic engagement.

The movement, known as No Kings, is organized nationally by the progressive group Indivisible and a coalition of more than 200 affiliated organizations. The coalition says it opposes what it views as authoritarian or anti-democratic actions by the Trump administration during the president’s second term. Organizers emphasize participants in the movement represent a range of political affiliations, and all rallies are intended to be peaceful demonstrations.

The October 18 event will take place near downtown Centreville.