Duluth Assembles at City Hall for ‘No Kings’ Protest
Protesters cheer and raise hands while Ricky DeFoe encourages the people to resist oppression. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
Saturday, Oct. 18, is expected to go down in history as one of the largest single-issue protests in America. ‘No Kings’ protests could be found in cities all over the nation, full of patriotic displays meant to act against the authoritarian policies of Donald Trump and the current administration. 5,000 people from the northlands of Minnesota organized at Duluth City Hall at 10:30 a.m. in support of this cause.
American flags were waved alongside signs that stressed the importance of free speech and the power of the people. Protestors were chanting with intention, along with inspiring speakers, including Fond du Lac elder, Ricky DeFoe.
“These are not our heroes. The wealth of the nation has been squandered,” DeFoe said. “Given the conditions imposed upon us today here in America, we must redefine community response.”
Thousands of Minnesotans gather outside of Duluth City Hall with signs displaying patriotism. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
The speaker further explained that community response means resistance and taking action when necessary. Acting with passivity, acquiescence, and obedience is to surrender our basic humanity, according to DeFoe.
“To stop resisting, even when success is unimaginable, is to die,” DeFoe further explained this ‘death’ as physical death, death of the imagination, and death of the ability to care.
Protesters wear animal costumes in an effort to lower tension and draw attention. Photo by Finlee Matejcek.
Duluth local, Beth Holst, described her reason for resistance as a “love of neighbors” and expressed a need to keep showing up for her community.
Protesters were invited to raise their right hand and take an oath modeled after the oath of office — which our elected officials are sworn in under the pretense of — claiming that they will “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
As they raised their right hands, many people were wearing yellow as an unmistakable symbol that America belongs to them, not to kings. The coordination of the bright colors was due to their eye-catching nature as well as to create unity.
Some were seen wearing costumes with the intention of attracting attention or to send a message. Among them was protestor Beverly Godfrey, who was adorned in an early 20th-century dress and a sash that read “Votes for Women”.
“I’m dressed as a suffragette to remind people that these struggles have always been happening in our country, and I hope that people continue to fight for democracy,” Godfrey said.
Attendees seen wearing yellow to symbolize unity. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
The criticism of the current administration was evident as speakers were met with roars of approval. Julie Blaha holds the title of Minnesota's 19th State Auditor and commented on President Trump’s actions, comparing him to a toddler.
“Instead of breaking his toys, he is breaking his promises,” Blaha said while encouraging citizens not to lose hope. “Do not doubt that what we are doing is working.”
The grounds of Duluth City Hall were full of hope as people filtered out with their signs held high and their First Amendment having been exercised.
DeFoe reassured the crowd that change is possible, stating, “We can prevent our own capitulation to structural evil, we can provide a heritage of persistence, imagination and solidarity.”