On Saturday, October 18, a significant demonstration is expected to take place in San Francisco, as part of the second No Kings Day of Defiance march and rally. Organizers anticipate that tens of thousands of Americans from the Bay Area and surrounding regions will come together to stand against what they describe as authoritarianism and demand accountability from those in power.
In addition to San Francisco, people across the United States and around the globe are gearing up for nonviolent actions aimed at addressing various concerns related to the Trump administration. Issues ranging from government shutdowns, the deployment of masked agents in American streets, and cuts to essential healthcare services are at the forefront of protestors’ minds, as they assert that the Trump administration is misusing its power, ultimately harming working individuals.
The San Francisco No Kings Day of Defiance event will commence at Sue Bierman Park at 1:30 p.m., with a march starting at 2 p.m. The demonstrators will proceed down Market Street toward Civic Center Plaza, where the rally is set to take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The rally is projected to feature speakers from various organizations, including the ACLU of Northern California, the California Labor Federation, the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Indivisible San Francisco, National Nurses United, and 50501 SF, among other notable figures from the Bay Area.
Cathy Kennedy, RN and president of National Nurses United, highlighted the importance of unity among participants during the event, stating that it serves as a powerful reminder of the commonalities that bind people together rather than focusing on divisions. She emphasized the dire state of democracy in the U.S., asserting that citizens should not have to choose between paying rent or receiving medical care, nor should they have to shy away from education or healthcare services out of fear of being wrongfully targeted by ICE.
Abdi Soltani, Executive Director at ACLU of Northern California, also underscored the significance of the right to protest, describing it as the ultimate safeguard of individual rights. He noted that the event represents a unified front in protecting the rights of all individuals in the country, regardless of citizenship status.
The League of Women Voters of San Francisco added their voice, stating that protest is a fundamental aspect of American identity. They emphasized that protests have historically played a crucial role in securing rights and maintaining a healthy democracy.
Bruce H. of Indivisible SF and a long-term civil rights advocate echoed this sentiment, condemning President Donald Trump and his administration for allegedly seeking to undermine democratic foundations. He said they march against what they term ‘wannabe kings’ and a new oligarchy marked by disproportionate wealth and power.
Saturday’s action is not just a local event; it’s part of a nationwide movement against the perceived abuses of the Trump administration. San Francisco is designated as the West Coast Anchor City for this nationwide demonstration, as the day of protest aims to bring together a diverse coalition to voice their discontent.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for a variety of actions, including defying court rulings, deporting individuals, and enacting cuts to public services while providing substantial benefits to wealthy individuals. Protestors are rallying around a message of resistance against these actions, asserting, ‘We don’t do kings in America.’
Earlier in June, an impressive turnout saw more than five million people join related protests across all 50 states, marking it as the largest single-day protest against President Donald Trump’s brand of autocratic governance. The upcoming October 18 demonstration is viewed as a continuation of that momentum, channeling the energy from prior actions into a renewed, coordinated effort to advocate for democracy and justice through peaceful mobilization.
Organizers of the No Kings Day of Defiance have established a commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety, ensuring that participants are prepared with de-escalation training and are coordinating with local partners to maintain peaceful and impactful actions throughout the nationwide protests.
National Nurses United, recognized as the largest and fastest-growing union of registered nurses in the United States, stands firm in its opposition to these governmental measures. With over 225,000 members nationwide, the organization represents a significant voice within the healthcare sector, advocating not just for nurses but for broader social justice and equity in health services.
image source from：nationalnursesunited
