“Heartwarming, Powerful, and Inspiring”: Kansas City Unites for No Kings Day

  Thousands of community members gathered at the Country Club Plaza today for “No Kings Day” protests. 

  “No Kings” is an organization that planned protests all around the country as an act of defiance, in lieu of the Flag Day parade for President Donald Trump’s birthday.

  Among the protesters were many UMKC students. 

 “I attended the No Kings Protest today to show my support for the marginalized communities in our country, I see their struggle and I stand with them, whatever it takes,” said junior and political science/English double major Aunnesty Dwyer. “I also wanted to take a stand against the fascism taking over our government.”

  Not only was the protest aimed at the Trump administration, but also towards the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids happening in Los Angeles. 

  “Our country is in serious danger, and one of the powers that we have as a collective is the right to protest,” said senior and music/film double major Grace Bowles. “They have tried to take this right away, but staying strong is what we need to do in order to defeat the hatred that is being implemented into our government.”

  One of No Kings’ core principles is “commitment to nonviolent action.” Protests remained peaceful throughout the day. 

  “The protest was very peaceful and honestly was very surreal. It was beautiful seeing so many people come together and knowing it was happening all over the country made it better,” said Dwyer. “I would describe it as heartwarming, powerful and inspiring.”