On Oct. 18, residents of Walpole, Mass. joined communities across the country for the second nationwide “No Kings” day of protest. The strike ran from 10 a.m. to noon at the corner of Main St. and Common St.. The rally was one of more than 140 across the state and many more nationwide where participants carried signs, chanted slogans and spoke about current political issues.
The “No Kings” movement is led by organizations including Indivisible, the 50501 Movement and other advocacy groups. Its name references the rejection of a monarchy in America and is meant to symbolize the power politicians hold.
The Oct. 18 rally followed the first “No Kings” protest day on June 14, earlier this year, drawing the attention of millions nationwide. Locally, the Walpole event was promoted by Forward Blue and open to all members of the public.
According to organizers of the movement, the protest’s intentions were to be nonviolent and severe as a way to express support of the democratic government.
Similar rallies took place that same day in Massachusetts cities including Boston, Worcester and Springfield, as well as in more than 2,600 locations across the country. The movement drew widespread attention to public concern about political power and democratic principles. The turnout in Walpole and nationally reflected a growing call for accountability in government.
