Demonstrators gather in Love Park for the "No Kings" protest, one of 2,000 organized protests happening nationally on Saturday. The rally and march will continue up to the Art Museum steps through the afternoon. (Credit: Kate Jackson)
Despite the rainy weather, large crowds gathered in Love Park for the “No Kings” rally and march on Saturday morning.
Many held up signs criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration, calling for the reinstatement of constitutional rights. Some attendees dressed in patriotic get-ups, referencing their right to liberty and democracy.
The protest, organized by several grassroots organizations, was scheduled to start between noon and 12:30 p.m., but protesters began shuffling in as early as 10 a.m.
Around 11:30 a.m., organizers encouraged attendees to start marching towards the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, where the protest would eventually end.
Cynthia Ruffner, a woman wearing a handmade crown, brought a handheld speaker and started a YMCA chant, changing the words “young man” to “con-man,” referencing Trump.
Ruffner models a crown she made herself. "Fascists are fascists because they don't have craft-making skills," she said. (Credit: Kate Jackson)Ruffner said she came prepared to protest peacefully, and she hopes others will do the same.
“I'm out here to join the thousands and thousands of other individuals who find that this administration is sabotaging our government, our international relations and the very people, who are our neighbors,” Ruffner said “And I feel that my voice needs to be heard, since other’s [voices] cannot.”
When asked about her costume, Ruffner said her scrapbooking skills came in handy.
“Why shouldn’t I be a queen, if our politicians can act like kings?” Ruffner said.
Ruffner wasn’t the only protester in costume. Lillian Aguilar and her son, Diego Aguilar, were wearing outfits inspired by the Founding Fathers, both with tricorne hats.
Lillian said she is protesting to speak for and defend those who are most vulnerable to Trump's policies. She said she’s been closely following the conflict in Los Angeles and is determined to stand up against injustice.
“I just want to see someone do something,” Diego said.
Lillian Aguilar (right), Diego Aguilar (center) and Bruce R. (left) display signs calling for liberty and democracy in front of the Love Statue. (Credit: Kate Jackson)During the protest, many attendees came together to discuss the current political climate and bond over their shared disappointment with the Trump administration.
Next to the Aguilars, Bruce R. (preferred not to provide his last name) also donned a tricorne hat and displayed a sign with a quote from John Adams. “Liberty once lost is lost forever,” it read. On the back side was a quote by Thomas Jefferson.
Bruce said he came to the march to fight for fundamental rights and protect those who are vulnerable to the current administration's policies on immigration, Medicare and Social Security, among others.
“I want to see Congress act,” Bruce said. “I want people of good conscience to react. Our senators, our congresspeople, need to start standing up and following the Constitution, not a king.”
Some furry friends also came out to show their support for the march.
Watzi, a dog displaying his own anti-Trump sign, came with his owners, Jim and Cheryl Epp.
Watzi, an experienced protester, shows off his hand made sign.(Credit: Kate Jackson)When getting his picture taken, Watzi knows to turn around and display the sign on his back.
“This is not his first protest,” Jim Epp said.
Jim Epp expressed concern over the lack of scientific research and funding under the new administration, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He said he expects the United States to fall behind other countries, specifically European countries.
“We hate what's going on in our country,” Cheryl Epp said. “We're gonna fight it every step of the way. And he's not gonna scare us, we're gonna scare him.”
Both Cheryl and Jim said if the Supreme Court were majority democrat, then it would’ve taken action against the Trump administration.
Several national and Philly-based organizations helped plan the protest and came to show their support, leading the march while chanting songs.
Guy Anthony Brooks, an activist for the grassroots disability rights organization ADAPT, said he showed up because Trump’s Medicaid and Medicare policies are directly affecting him and other members of his organization.
As a ADAPT actavist, Brooks is protesting for both disabled and abled people who face injustice under the Trump administartion. (Credit: Kate Jackson)Brooks said he has witnessed multiple injustices against disabled people within the last week, including being denied elevator access in Harrisburg while petitioning the government. He said he doesn’t understand why the Trump administration is cutting healthcare and education programs, which are essential to his livelihood.
“We need to get them out of office,” Brooks said. “It's the power we have, and we shouldn't just waste it because we are scared. Don't be afraid of what's happening. We put them in power. We can take them out of there.”
The Philadelphia protest is one of over 2,000 occurring nationwide. The demonstrations were put together by a coalition of more than 200 organizations, including Indivisible, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Communications Workers of America.
As America's first capital and the birthplace of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, the Philadelphia protest is expected to be one of the nation’s largest. Officials said they anticipate between 60,000 to 80,000 people in attendance.
The City of Philadelphia administered road closures, parking restrictions and SEPTA bus route detours to ensure people’s safety during the march.
Road closures will be lifted as protesters clear out in the afternoon.
“We need to ensure that the government does not continue to illegally deport immigrants, to jail elected officials,” Ruffner said. “We have power, we just need to use it.”
