On Oct. 18, thousands of protestors from Fremont and neighboring cities gathered to say, “No Kings in America!” While there to oppose the unconstitutional and inhumane actions of the administration, people also came together to celebrate democracy.
Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan kicked off the event saying, “We are not just here to protest; we are here to protect truth, to protect our rights, to protect our democracy—one election, one conversation, one vote at a time.”
Addressing the need for mutual respect and unity, Jenna Daughtery, an advocate for the trans community, said, “The only way we survive this moment is if we drop our differences and see each other as human.”
The “No Kings Protest Jazz Band” entertained people with lively music across the street from the courthouse. A couple of blocks away, people enjoyed the rich tones of the “No Kings II Saxophone Quartet.” At yet another spot along Paseo Padre, Joe Stoner played his purple trombone, adding to the joyful and festive mood.
Participants’ creativity shone through in their signs and attire. Themes of democracy, due process, the Constitution, immigrants’ rights, compassion over cruelty, No Kings and much more could be seen, and many waved American flags.
Perhaps inspired by Portland, some people wore costumes, including kings, dinosaurs, several Statues of Liberty and, of course, frogs! Indivisible Fremont’s display highlighted the Monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of support and solidarity for immigrants. It all added to the fun and strong spirit of community.
Knowing that they were joining people across the nation heightened the sense of solidarity. This was the fifth National Day of Action that Fremont has joined, and it won’t be the last. The size of the crowd grows each time.
To again quote Mayor Salwan, “We are united, we are unafraid and we are unstoppable. We don’t need kings. We don’t need crowns. We have each other and that’s enough to build the America we believe in.”
