RICHMOND, IN — A local group that calls itself part of a nationwide progressive grassroots movement plans to take part in a “nationwide day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies,” according to the movement’s website.
Wayne County Indivisible will hold a “No Kings Rally” at Jack Elstro Plaza from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on June 14.
According to the national page, the day of protests, which falls on Flag Day, is an attempt to “build a movement that leaves Trump behind” by saying “no thrones, no crowns and no kings.”
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” the national page says. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.”
Wayne County Indivisible agreed with the group’s national stance on its own event page.
“We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens and defied the courts,” the group said on its event page. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies. We rally to protect democracy. The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We reclaim our flag for every American.”
The group added that one of its core principles is a commitment to nonviolent action, with the expectation that all participants seek to de-escalate any potential confrontations with counter-protesters on the day of the event.
Protests are also planned around the country and in Indiana, according to the national website, including in Indianapolis, Lafayette and Muncie.
What is Wayne County Indivisible?
Wayne County Indivisible was founded in 2015 and was active until 2021. Donna Eisenhower, an administrator for the organization’s Facebook group, said it formally reactivated with the National Indivisible organization last month.
“WCI is one of many grassroots local groups seeking to protect, promote and improve democracy and its institutions,” Eisenhower said to the Pal-Item. “We support the Constitution and believe no one is above the law. We insist on fair elections. We also seek to promote the safety net including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and food assistance for those who need it. Methods used to reach our goals include town halls, rallies, contact with elected representatives on specific issues, boycotts and coalition building.”
Eisenhower said the rally on June 14, in coordination with other groups across the country, intends to “promote democracy and reject the increasing authoritarian excesses of the current president.”
“The required laws must be followed to assure due process and protect freedom of speech in all of our institutions, including colleges,” she said. “We support our system of checks and balances and must rely on the protective separate powers of Congress and the Courts. … We uphold our First Amendment rights and we assemble nonviolently on June 14 to say ‘No Kings here. We are “We the People.'”
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: ‘No Kings Rally’ to protest Trump to be held in Richmond. What you need to know
Reporting by Evan Weaver, Richmond Palladium-Item / Richmond Palladium-Item
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