As nearly 100 No Kings demonstrations take place across Michigan today, Oct. 18, many of those participating will be wearing yellow and possibly wacky animal costumes.
Demonstration organizers say the request to wear yellow was made for specific reasons.
“Throughout history, people who have come together in protest against authoritarian regimes have utilized a color that is easy to see among a sea of thousands,” No Kings explained. “Yellow is a bright, unmistakable reminder that millions of us stand together in the belief that America belongs to its people, not to kings.”
The demonstrations are expected to bring thousands of Michigan residents to the streets, for the second time this year and at least some of those protesting may be wearing masks to obscure their identity.
“This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. And together, we’re choosing democracy,” according to the No Kings website.
In addition to yellow, you may see some protesters wearing dinosaur and frog costumes, an idea that came out of protests in Oregon.
Here’s why people will be wearing specific colors and costumes.
Why are many protesters wearing yellow?
According to No Kings, people have asked for a simple, shared way to show unity.
The group also pointed to Hong Kong, where protesters carried yellow umbrellas, and said yellow ribbons are emblems of hope, accountability and reform. Eastern Ukrainians’ yellow ribbon movement is a sign of resistance against Russian aggression, the group added.
On “No Kings” Day, protesters will be wearing “Resistance Yellow.” The color comes after months of searching for a “simple, shared way” for protestors to symbolize their unity while also being “something anyone, anywhere, could show and share with others,” according to Resistance Yellow.
Why are people dressing in costumes?
The 50501 Movement, one of the protest’s organizers, has a Facebook group in which members are encouraging each other to decorate signs and wear comical costumes to events.
The idea of wearing wacky inflatable animal costumes for the “No Kings” caught on after Seth Todd, a part of America’s Mexican community, was pepper-sprayed by a federal agent while wearing an inflatable frog costume while protesting outside of an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon.
The incident went viral on social media, inspiring other protesters to dress up as frogs.
“I’m here protesting the inhuman way that ICE and DHS is treating our immigrants. Whether they’re here legally or not, they should be treated as a human being because that’s what they are. We are humans and we are not supposed to be treating other people unfairly just because we have the power to do so,” Todd told the Oregonian on Oct. 2, the day of the incident.
Todd is now known as the “Portland Frog.”
How can I find a demonstration to join?
The No Kings website lists every scheduled protest in Michigan, and allows people to search for locations nationwide, and in other countries.
Why are people protesting Trump?
Since taking office in January, Trump’s actions in his second term are redefining executive power and challenging presidential norms.
Partners under the No Kings banner, which include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Michigan Climate Action Network, are protesting the president for a multitude of reasons including disagreement with immigration, foreign policy, federal spending cuts, civil rights, reproductive rights, the stripping of diversity commitments, tariffs and climate change, among other things.
“In June, millions of everyday Americans from every walk of life peacefully took to the streets and declared with one voice: No Kings,” the No Kings website says. “The world saw the power of the people, and President Trump’s attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power.
“Now, he’s doubling down — sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle,” according to the No Kings website.
Is it legal to wear a mask in public in Michigan?
In Michigan, the only law on the books says “It is unlawful for a person to conceal their identity by wearing a mask or other face covering “for the purpose of facilitating the commission of a crime.”
MCL 750.396 makes it a misdemeanor calling for 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. The law does not address protests.
Act 276 of 1923, aimed at the Ku Klux Klan, had prohibited wearing masks in any assembly, march or parade on streets, highways and public spaces except in certain circumstances.
In 2000, 13 protesters in Detroit were charged under the law for wearing Lone Ranger masks. Charges eventually were dropped after the ACLU and National Lawyers Guild filed a federal lawsuit.
The Michigan Legislature agreed to revise the law and narrow the circumstances that the statute would apply in 2003, according to attorneys Kershaw, Vititoe & Jedinak.
The Greenville (South Carolina) News contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Why are No Kings protesters wearing yellow? What to know
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
