On March 28, approximately 3,500 people joined together from Fremont and neighboring cities to say, “No Kings in America!” They met up at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard next to the Hall of Justice to listen to invited speakers before spreading out across Paseo Padre from Walnut to Mowry Avenue.
While there to oppose ongoing unconstitutional and inhumane actions of our current administration in Washington, they also came together to show solidarity and support for their communities, as well as their resolve to continue to defend democracy.
Songs of resistance could be heard along the streets, as well as the joyful sounds of the No Kings Protest Jazz Band and the No Kings Saxophone Quartet. There were ongoing chants, while participants held signs representing themes of democracy, due process, the Constitution, immigrants’ rights, signs of fascism, compassion over cruelty, No Kings and more. Many waved American flags, as cars honked and people shouted while they drove by.
The event kicked off with the crowd singing songs of resistance led by Toni Shellen, inspired by the people of Minnesota. Next, one of the No Kings co-organizers from Indivisible-Fremont welcomed protestors and reminded them that, “one of the strongest things that we can build is community,” and “democracy survives when people participate.”
She then thanked them for “showing up to participate, to peacefully protest, encourage and inspire others, build community and to remind this administration that Americans will not allow our country, our democracy and our communities to be taken over by tyrants.”
The first elected official to speak was Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, who spoke passionately about the fact that “America’s power belongs to the people, not to one man. When anyone tries to put themselves above the law, above the Constitution, we have a duty to say: not here, not now, not ever.”
Salwan was followed by Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez and several others who spoke about the damage that ICE is inflicting on families and communities. There was also talk of the dismantling of the education system and how Fremont is working hard to make sure that every family, every student, gets what they need.
Representative Ro Khanna was the last elected official to speak. He flew in from Washington and spoke about the fact that we cannot have two tiers of justice in this country. “I’m tired of the rich and powerful thinking that the rules do not apply to them and that they can write the rules for their own benefit,” he said. “For too long, powerful people have been treating us all as disposable.”
Khanna ended by saying, “I’m so proud of all of you for coming out. We are going to turn this country around. My grandfather stood up to a king in the Gandhi era, and I never thought I’d have to be standing up to a king now.” He took time to take photos and speak with attendees before leaving to attend another No Kings protest.
Knowing that they were joining so many others participating in 3,300 protests across the nation, heightened the sense of patriotism and solidarity that these participants felt. This was the sixth National Day of Action that Fremont has joined, and it won’t be the last. The crowd size continues to grow at each event.
