On Saturday, tanks are set to roll through the streets of Washington, D.C., in a military parade honoring the birthdays of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump.
Simultaneously, activists will take to the streets of Philadelphia in a counter-demonstration termed the ‘No Kings’ protest, aimed at shedding light on the abuses they attribute to the Trump administration.
Beginning at LOVE Park, this rally forms part of a larger movement featuring over 1,800 coordinated demonstrations across the United States.
Vicki Miller, a leader of the Indivisible Philadelphia group, emphasized the protest’s goal of delivering a potent message against what they describe as unconstitutional actions by the Trump regime.
Miller stated, “We want to send a very strong message that we are not happy and we are protesting against the actions taken by the Trump regime that are unconstitutional, that are anti-democratic, that are illegal.”
The main event in Philadelphia will host notable speakers, including Martin Luther King III, Bishop William J. Barber, and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.
This protest is considered the flagship event of the ‘No Kings’ initiative, marking a strategic decision to hold the demonstration in Philadelphia rather than Washington, D.C., thereby demonstrating a stark contrast to the military parade.
Miller pointed out that the city is ideally located near Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, facilitating easier access for protesters traveling from these areas.
“Plus we have a pretty good history here. We threw out a mad king 250 years ago,” she quipped, highlighting Philadelphia’s historical significance in the context of resistance against tyranny.
The joint effort behind the ‘No Kings’ mobilization has garnered support from around 200 organizations, encompassing activist groups and labor unions, with plans to protest across all 50 states.
Participants are united in their concerns over a range of issues, including corruption, cruelty, and the alleged abuses of power by the administration.
Many activists express frustration over the high costs of the military parade, estimated to range from $25 million to $45 million, particularly in light of recent proposals by the Trump administration for significant cuts to essential programs like food stamps and Medicaid.
They view the parade, featuring over 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters, as a display of ‘self-aggrandizing’ behavior.
The U.S. Army did not initially plan for such a large exhibition to celebrate its 250th anniversary on June 14, a decision that changed upon Trump’s arrival in office.
Moreover, demonstrators are particularly critical of the administration’s stance on immigration, perceiving a tyrannical approach in its crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
As of Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that it has initiated removal proceedings against 26,700 individuals since February 28, including deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s maximum-security prison.
In Philadelphia, advocates for immigration rights have recently called for the release of Edwin Nicolas Sanches Pachon, a Colombian asylum seeker detained by ICE during a routine check-in.
AFT Pennsylvania, one of the organizations involved in the protests, declared on Instagram, “We’re standing up to say: this country belongs to us, not a king. NO THRONES. NO CROWNS. NO KINGS.”
Miller anticipates that as many as 60,000 people might attend the Philadelphia demonstration, although only 9,000 have officially registered.
She noted a widening disparity between expected attendance and actual turnouts for recent protests, which has been attributed to fear among participants about being placed on lists.
Miller stated, “It’s never been like this before. A lot of people tell us they don’t wanna be on a list. They will not sign up because they don’t want to be on any kind of list. People are fearful.”
Concerns heightened following Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles amid anti-ICE protests, prompting ‘No Kings’ organizers to conduct multiple de-escalation trainings in the lead-up to their event to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
Miller assured that 100 trained volunteer marshals will be present during the Philadelphia protest, alongside medical personnel and officials from the Office of Emergency Management.
Yet, the participants remain intent on creating a joyful atmosphere despite the serious nature of their protest.
Miller outlined plans to distribute thousands of American flags for attendees to wave and incorporate marchers dressed as historical figures like George Washington at the forefront of the procession.
A band and drumline will accompany the march, which will route along Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Miller explained that making the event colorful is crucial to maintaining enthusiasm amongst participants, fostering a sense of joy while tackling significant concerns.
“These are very serious topics that are extremely painful for people,” she reflected.
“But if we can join together and have a little bit of fun and enjoy the day together, it gives us energy to move forward. That’s a win.”
image source from：https://www.phillyvoice.com/no-kings-anti-trump-protest-philadelphia/
