March 28th, 2026. 8 million people joined together in one of the biggest nationwide protests, as estimated by the event organizers.
CBS News estimated that over 3,300 rallies were held in all 50 states under the “No Kings” movement. This particular mass protest is the third in a series organized by various grassroots and nonprofit organizations such as Human Rights Campaign, ACLU, and Amnesty International.
The movement began as a demonstration against the current presidential administration, which has allegedly been overstepping its powers. According to their official website, the movement emphasizes the use of peaceful protest against their selected issues. These criticisms include the administration’s alleged misuse of ICE to terrorize immigrants, removing healthcare and education funding, not protecting the environment, and the threat of election control. They also state that, “‘No Kings’ is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon.”
In our own community, people of all different walks of life gathered together: students, teachers, parents, children, activists, elderly, and even a determined biker, who continuously rode around in the cold weather for the entire protest. As a brave display of their own voices, FM students found themselves in the crowd of around 6,000-7,000 people protesting on Erie Boulevard in Dewitt, as estimated by Syracuse.com. In a time where the youth are just beginning to find their footing in the world of political involvement, it can oftentimes be dangerous. The two students I was able to interview are an example of teens learning how to speak out on behalf of their communities. Their commitment to expressing their values has been exceedingly courageous in such a heightened, polarized world. The students will be kept anonymous for their privacy. Quotes may be edited for brevity.
Q: What kind of message were you hoping to send in this protest?
STUDENT 1: “…Condemning what is happening in our country right now is beyond politics. You know, being privileged in our society, we often see people refraining from delving into politics and statements of social justice because it is uncomfortable for them, or it simply doesn’t affect them on a daily basis. But we aren’t seeing divisive politics right now, we are viewing violations of diplomacy and human rights all around the world, and even if it doesn’t affect you directly, it affects your neighbor. It affects people at your school, so it is completely beyond politics and controversy.”
STUDENT 2: “…Young people are here, we know what’s happening, and we want to make a change…We’re not going to be complacent when all these horrible things are happening, and we have the power to [make change].”
Q: What do you hope to take away from this experience?
STUDENT 1: “This is actually my first formal protest, where I made my own sign and thought about the message that I wanted to send to our community. So I hope to gain this experience and be able to, since I am going to college next year, forge a new path for myself to get out into new communities to make change.”
STUDENT 2: “…I think that I am definitely wanting to go to more protests. I know when I was young, protests were not my favorite thing…I don’t think I fully realized the importance of my being there. But, I definitely want to go to more protests and support these causes that I believe in more. I also think that I need to be more…well versed in what’s happening more specifically, and more situations, if that makes sense.”
Q: How does it feel to be in that atmosphere?
STUDENT 1: “It felt very inspiring to be around passionate people around the community taking action. I definitely saw more younger protesters this time, and I even heard of people traveling to all corners of the protest to make an impact, which is so refreshing to see.”
STUDENT 2: “It felt really empowering to be in that atmosphere. It was really intense, in a really good way, I think. It felt really good to be among all these other people who were also wanting to make a change, and were also so angered by what the current administration is doing, and people who just…know [that] what is going on isn’t right and that there needs to be a change. So it felt really great to be among people who were very like-minded.”
Q: Why did you come out today?
STUDENT 1: “I wanted this current administration to be held accountable for what is happening in the current state of the world. And I was just simply exhausted from seeing headlines of human rights being violated, and frankly, our constitution being violated for the sake of selfishness in our government, and not being able to do anything about it.”
STUDENT 2: “I personally have always wanted to go to a No Kings protest since I discovered and heard about the movement…I thought it was really important to show up and show people that the younger generation is there and wanting to make an impact.”
Q: What advice do you have for a student who wants to get involved in activism?
STUDENT 1: “Being informed is very important, I think, and exploring those resources in your community that align with the message you want to send is the first step. I think many people have the urge to get out and protest, because our empathy speaks to us, but by asking people around you and saying, ‘Hey, do you want to attend this protest with me?’, and initiating that first step, [it] would certainly help you get out there, even if you feel a little pressured to stay home, and to not say anything and be silent.”
STUDENT 2: “The important thing is to show up…You don’t need to know everything, you don’t need to be the loudest, or be the one who is running these things. You just need to show up and be there, try your best to be well versed in what’s going on…just show up and start putting yourself out there, and let people know that we, as a generation, care, and are very…concerned…and we want to support, and be there, and make a change as the younger generation.”
