It was wonderful to experience the “No Kings” protest in San Antonio on the evening of Saturday, June 14th. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds turned out for the peaceful protest against the rising authoritarianism in our country. There were lots of American flags, many Pride flags, some Mexican flags, and many inventive homemade signs. The feeling was positive, energetic, determined and joyful (and hot).
First UU member, Maggi Joseph, who recently celebrated her 84th birthday, offered her observations of the event: “In addition to being exponentially larger than previous protests, the crowd was considerably more diverse in age, race, language of signs, and class. It was all very joyful and completely non-violent. People helped each other. A number of people brought folding carts loaded with water which they gave out freely. A young woman offered me a rose which I accepted and fastened to my hat.”
Another member, Tom Gaines told us “My family and I went. Great crowd. Creative signs. Hope this is the start of a movement.”
At least fifty-four people from our church attended! That’s far more than have turned out for previous 50501 (50 states, 50 protests, 1 movement) events. 50501 estimates 11 million people turned out across the globe.
“It was my first feeling of hope in a while and I hope that feeling will be able to continue,” said First UU member, Kathy Beggs.
“Uplifting. Solidarity,” said Noelia Wilson
Another member, Jessica Latimer, recalls, “I was inspired by the number of young people at the protest and was grateful to all the older people who still have the energy to come out and protest”
The 3.5% of the U.S. population that is so predictive of success is 11.9 million. We are coming close! Now we need to continue it, grow it, and keep it vital and nonviolent.
First UU Parent Group member, Miriam Cox shares, “Anti-immigration, anti-trans, and other Trump admin policies directly harm our San Antonio communities; the president's alarming power grabs only threaten to extend that damage. I was touched to see so many of our UU church members and friends lending their voices to the protest. We say America will have NO KINGS, and together we will be heard!”
Member, Mary Grace Ketner says, “This was the most fulsome response I've ever seen to a call to action in San Antonio! An organizer told me they received 3,000 RSVP's on their site.”
Long time members Diane Duesterhoeft and Mike Phillips attended the rally to gather signatures on the COPS/Metro Sign Up and “Take Charge” petition that opposes public funds for Project Marvel and supports public funds for infrastructure, such as flood control, and other services that our current residents need.
“It was a good place to be in solidarity,” says Diane. “With First UU members and friends and to re-connect with neighbors and other folks whom we haven’t seen for a while. The festive humor of some participants’ signs and outfits provided levity in this time of oppressive uncertainty.”
I was really encouraged by what happened on Saturday. I think we are reclaiming the flag and patriotism, so that they belong to everyone who wants healthy democracy, rule of law, and free and fair elections. The flag and patriotism belong to moderates and liberals, in addition to conservatives. I was thrilled by the numbers and the diversity of the people who came, including many young people, Hispanic people, and people of all colors, abilities, and backgrounds.
It was a day of love, joy, hope, peace, determination, and progress.
Thank you for this powerful reflection. As a Unitarian Universalist, I affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the right of conscience. “No Kings Day” speaks to our commitment to democracy, equity, and the rejection of oppressive power. Our faith calls us to build a world where leadership is accountable, and freedom is shared. May we continue to imagine and work toward a community rooted in justice, compassion, and spiritual courage.