On March 28, protesters gathered for yet another “No Kings” protest. The protests are against current President Donald Trump and his administration.
Dozens gathered with handmade signs, chants, megaphones and even cars with chalk art. For this particular protest, it happened in the city of Whittier, a city already fighting a battle with its current mayoral board.
The protests were held all over the country and even places you wouldn’t expect, such as Redding, California. Throughout the day, there were over 3,000 protests happening all around the country, with 8 million people attending. It’s marked as one of the largest coordinated protest days in U.S. history.
In Whittier, it was both serene and powerful. You could feel the energy as you stepped out toward the sidewalk. Many brought folding chairs and blankets to sit on and even sat on bus benches.
Many cars were decked out with messages, and some even had signs showing from the outside of their car. Honks from passing vehicles became constant, with drivers waving, giving thumbs up and sometimes shouting words of encouragement. Protesters responded by lifting their signs higher and chanting louder, creating a steady rhythm throughout the afternoon.
For many, it was my first time attending one of these events. After wanting to go for so long, I was glad to attend and witness this incredible gathering as well. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. My immediate thought was about the protesters that would protest us.
Whittier, although a more left-leaning city, is run by a Republican mayor with many supporters. I was expecting hate speech, Trump flags and even altercations. Luckily, none of that occurred. I mainly think that was because it took place by the Quad at Whittier and not Uptown, where it gets more right-leaning.
It was incredible seeing all the signs and flags. I myself repped my MLM Mexican flag as I had no signs to take. As part of the Cerritos College Young Democratic Society, I urged my fellow comrades to attend, but only one was able to make it with me.
Just being there with him and talking with other people who get why this needed brought that community I was missing. I saw a few signs such as “The only ICE I like is the one my two gay hockey boyfriends play on and Alyssa Liu skates on,” and one of a toddler saying, “Trump you stink let me change your diaper.”
I met multiple families that brought their grandparents and parents. I even met a 99-year-old woman who talked a lot about the Great Depression, World War II and even about the presidencies she’s witnessed. She was very insightful, and a quote she said was, “I was born in a time when questioning authority was seen as wrong.
Now, I’ve realized staying silent is no longer an option. People take for granted how much of a voice they have. I fought for my voice. Please continue to fight for yours.” It was incredible seeing all these generations working hand in hand to support a cause that is vital in these times.
Despite all the protests, you really saw the community come together. At Kennedy Park, there were little booths of information, petitions to sign, snacks, music and more.
I met some familiar faces from the Whittier banner drops and some people from the Norwalk Coalition. I even met some people from Rio Hondo College who are trying to establish their own YDSA.
It’s really amazing that these people you see online, and now get to talk to, was really incredible. Some people exchanged contact information, discussed future organizing efforts and talked about upcoming local events.
I loved seeing people’s creativity with signs. It shows you can be silly about a serious situation. I saw multiple pride flags as well. Multiple people with flags from their nationality. Even dogs walking around with signs as costumes.
For a first-time protest, it was really incredible. It really feels comforting to know that you have people that have the same views as you. Even if it didn’t go the way I planned, it was an amazing day being there and supporting instead of being on the sidelines.
