A massive “No Kings” protest in Philadelphia on June 14 will serve as the flagship event for anti-Trump rallies across the U.S. and Pennsylvania as protesters reject “Trump’s birthday parade” as a “lavish display of dominance” that strips Flag Day of its true purpose.
Indivisible and the 50501 Movement, among other activist groups, are decrying what they say are Trump’s attempts to stage a spectacle of strength in Washington, D.C. during the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade. The anti-Trump nationwide movement known as “NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance” coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. Trump took to Truth Social on June 6 and invited Americans to what he called an “unforgettable” celebration, “one like you’ve never seen before.”
The Army is not calling the event a birthday parade for Trump, but Trump will be attendance and has several times over the years expressed his desire for a large military parade in the U.S. He is also playing a role in the Army celebration, which had previously not included a rare U.S. parade. Parade plans include vintage warplanes, thousands of soldiers, horses and more.
Here’s all you need to know about “No Kings” protest in Philadelphia, as well as those being held in Pennsylvania.
What are June 14 protests?
“No Kings National Day of Defiance” — or simply “No Kings” protests — are being planned across the nation on Saturday, June 14 — which falls on Flag Day, on the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration and Trump’s birthday.
Organizers are protesting what they say are Trump’s attempts at displaying authoritative dominance, particularly during his birthday celebration in a “spectacle meant to look like strength,” states a release from Indivisible, who has partnered with dozens of advocacy groups.
What is ‘No Kings’?
Organizers say action is being taken to reject the notion the country is ruled by a “king” and to show what democracy looks like: “people, united, refusing to be ruled.”
“This country doesn’t belong to a king — and we’re not letting him throw himself a parade funded by tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars while stealing from us and stripping away our rights, our freedoms, and the programs our families rely on,” the release states.
What is Indivisible?
Indivisible, a grassroots political activism group focused on progressive causes, was founded in response to Trump’s 2016 election as president. The National organization’s founders and former congressional staffers, Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, were included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019. The powerful network has branched out into a statewide network of groups, including nearly 50 in New Jersey.
What does 50501 mean?
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative that was born on the social platform Reddit and under the hashtag #50501 in the early days of Trump’s second inauguration. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, 1 movement. They last organized May Day Strong protests last month.
Is there a ‘No Kings’ protest in Washington, D.C.?
No, there will not be a “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C. on June 14. D.C.-area residents are encouraged to join the Philadelphia protest or others in Maryland or Virginia.
Free DC, a movement led by D.C.-based residents, are hosting a community-led event called “DC Joy Day” in Anacostia Park Field 7 in D.C. from 3 to 8 p.m.
Anti-Trump protests Philadelphia
“No Kings” organizers say Philadelphia will be host of the “major flagship march and rally.” Those who plan to attend are asked to sign up to the event online. Here’s details of the Philadelphia event:
- Where: LOVE Park, Arch and North 15th streets, Philadelphia
- When: Saturday, June 14
- Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
There are also two “Philadelphia pre-game” rallies at 9:30 a.m.—one at Norristown Train Station, located at 101 DeKalb St. and another at the Lansdale Train Station on 80 W Main St.
June 14 protests in PA
There are dozens of “No Kings” protests being held across Pennsylvania on June 14. Here are some others near southeast Pennsylvania area. To find the entire list of Pennsylvania rallies, check out the map online.
- Langhorne: Congressman Fitzpatrick’s Office (1717 Langhorne Newtown Road), noon
- Springfield: Baltimore Pike and Route 320, 1 p.m.
- Delco: Delaware County Courthouse, noon
- Havertown: Intersection of Eagle Road and Sunnyhill Lane, noon
- Ardmore: Ardmore and Landcaster aves., 10 a.m.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
