March 28th marked the third major No Kings Day protest, with over 3,000 organized rallies nationwide.
The past No Kings protests have made American history with the sheer number of people who have attended, and the latest one was no different, with an estimated 8 million attendees across all 50 states.
Attending these protests are people of all demographics. Republicans and Democrats, veterans and citizens, the young and old, white people and people of color—all brought together to fight back against the Trump administration.
Many people are confident in their beliefs and values, standing up without a second thought. But others, especially those of the younger generation, are still finding their confidence and may not know how to feel or where to start when faced with protests.
Protestors and volunteers from the Chicago protest were more than happy to explain why they were attending the protest and to provide advice on protesting and how to approach it.
Here’s what they have to say to the younger generations:
“Vote,” an anonymous protestor said. “Don’t feel that you’re disenfranchised just because this is happening. Stick to your guns. You guys want to see change. It’s up to you guys to make the change.”
It’s not just about the protest that gathers tens of thousands of people into one place—it’s the shared interest of preserving democracy. It’s not just about protests; it’s about everything that stands between democracy and a dictatorship.
By casting your vote, invoking your First Amendment right, or pushing for change, you are utilizing these democratic values.
Some protestors didn’t just use their voice to make a statement. There were many women in Chicago, and likely many more around the world, who dressed up as Handmaidens to make an even more impactful statement.
“Today, we are protesting the fact that the government is trying to erase women’s faces,” an anonymous protestor said. “Fight. Never back down and always use your voice.”
And that’s exactly what millions of people nationwide are doing by protesting. The protests, peaceful yet impactful, are a fight against the administration.
“We’re out in a show of large mass mobilization solidarity,” Stephen Carver, a protestor and volunteer with Indivisible Chicago, said. “Show up whenever you can, as much as you can. I know sometimes it can be scary, depending on where you are, but courage spreads when you show up.”
But sometimes, protesting isn’t an option, whether it’s because of individual comfort, age, or safety. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options.
“Get involved in ways that you feel comfortable with,” Patricia Graham, an Indivisible Chicago board member, said. “Whether it’s phone banking, canvassing, [or] going to your individual chapter in your local school, and importantly, find your passion right now.”
Attending a protest is a difficult thing for many to do, and in the day and age we live in, it can be intimidating, especially when considering all the bad things that can happen. Protesting may not be for everyone, but there are more ways than one to get involved, especially when standing up against a political administration.
“I’m a lawyer I really believe in the rule of law, and that’s my job,” another protestor said. “This time will pass. I grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, and now we’re here. We’ll get back to a better place. So hang in. We love seeing you out here. You’re a really important part of this movement. Get involved.”
But until this time passes, it’s up to all people, young and old, Democrat or Republican, white or people of color, to stand up and push back.
If you want change, you have to fight for change.
“You have to stay involved in local issues and be a part of solutions,” Susan Keefer said.
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