We’re all in this together." Concord protesters join nationwide ‘No Kings’ movement
About 650 people gathered in Concord to voice concerns over national policy, immigration and the direction of the country.
More than a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, a growing wave of frustration is taking shape across the country.
From the deployment of federal troops in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis to persistent concerns about inflation, gas prices and foreign conflicts — including the war in Iran — many Americans say they are increasingly uneasy with the direction of the country.
That frustration was on display Saturday, as more than 3,000 “No Kings” protests were held nationwide — including a peaceful but energized rally in Concord.
About 650 people gathered along Concord Parkway in front of Carolina Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the local demonstration, organized by Indivisible Cabarrus County.
The Concord rally marked the third wave of “No Kings” protests nationwide over the past year, building on momentum that began last summer.
“The country is going in the wrong direction,” said Chris Bishopp.
Bishopp, a Democratic candidate for N.C. House District 82 challenging incumbent Rep. Brian Echevarria, said his concerns span both local and national issues.
Locally, he pointed to the need for increased education funding and efforts to curtail the private school voucher program.
From a national perspective, Bishopp, a U.S. Navy veteran, said he is troubled by the war in Iran — particularly the rationale behind U.S. military action.
“Every day the message is something different,” Bishopp said about the conflicting narratives for why the United States is fighting Iran. “They didn’t have a plan.”
Bishopp argued that a lack of pushback following U.S. military actions — including last year’s bombing of Iran and a strike in Venezuela earlier this year that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — has emboldened Trump.
“His ego is way, way bigger than his intelligence,” Bishopp said.
Organizers say the demonstrations are aimed at pushing back against what they view as authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration.
“Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant,” the No Kings website says. “But this is America, and power belongs to the people — not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies.”
A White House spokeswoman, Abigail Jackson, dismissed the protests in a statement according to The New York Times, saying that “the only people who care about these Trump derangement therapy sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them.”
In Concord, the tone was both defiant and hopeful.
Protesters waved American flags, held handmade signs and wore colorful — at times humorous — outfits, including inflatable costumes.
Chants of “This is what democracy looks like,” “Make America Safe Again” and “Release those Epstein Files” echoed through the air as passing drivers honked in support.
The “No Kings” protest drew people of all ages and backgrounds.
Jennie Sass, a co-organizer of the event and a leader with Indivisible Cabarrus County, said the gathering serves as a reminder that people are paying attention.
“To me, it means hope that all is not lost,” Sass said. “It makes me hopeful that people are finally recognizing what is happening. We have to rise up and make our voices heard.”
“It reminds us that we’re all in this together,” Sass added.
Sass also pointed to concerns about the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and impose stricter ID requirements.
Still, she said the protests themselves are evidence that democratic engagement remains strong.
“So far, it looks like democracy is still working,” she said. “We have to protect it and we have to start listening and paying attention.”
For friends Sayra Flores, Madison Brooks and Julie Kazinec, all in their late 20s, the Concord rally marked their first “No Kings” protest — and they said they were glad to be part of it.
As an elementary school teacher, Brooks said her concerns are rooted in what she sees affecting the next generation.
“I think that the way that America is going right now, I just fear for my students growing up in such a hateful and terrible world,” Brooks said. “I want it to be a better place for them to grow up.”
Flores pointed to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the country — including cases where immigrant families have been separated — as a reason the issue resonates deeply with her.
“For me, I think it kinda feels personal,” said Flores, who is Hispanic. “I just feel like I have to come out here and use my voice for those that can’t or aren’t comfortable.”
Flores was among several attendees holding signs opposing the possibility of an ICE detention facility in Concord. A February report by The New York Times indicated that ICE is exploring purchasing warehouses in several cities across the country, including Concord.
Local and state officials have said they are unaware of any confirmed plans, and the office of U.S. Rep. Mark Harris — whose district includes part of Cabarrus County — has stated that ICE does not currently plan to expand in the area.
“Everybody would be scared,” Kazinec said if ICE were to open an immigration detention center in Concord. “This is where you’re supposed to feel safe. This is our home.”
With so much uncertainty and fear felt by many across the country, rallies like this offer a space for people to come together and speak out.
“We feel like it’s so nice to see that there are people in our community who are with us and we’re not alone in this,” Brooks said. “It’s so important to be out here and use our voice so that we can fight back in our own way.”
Concord resident Macie Melton said she is concerned about a range of issues, including the rollback of LGBTQ rights — particularly affecting the transgender community — as well as immigration enforcement and environmental protections.
“We’re all human beings and we have the right to live freely,” Melton said. “I want justice for all. I am huge on equal rights, not only for women but trans people. Anybody and everybody deserves a home and a place where they feel safe.”
Cathy Bannigan, who attended the rally in an inflatable shark costume, said she is concerned about what she views as Trump’s moral failings, describing him as a racist, rapist, pedophile, misogynist, Nazi, Islamophobe, homophobe, xenophobe, liar, felon, fraud, crook narcissist and “repulsive human being.”
“We have lost our democracy and…we’ve got to save it,” Bannigan said.
Bannigan carried a sign reading “Woke is Beautiful” and spoke about the origins of the term, describing it as historically rooted in awareness of racial injustice within the African American community.
“I believe in being woke and taking that term back,” Bannigan said. “It’s a beautiful and empathetic term.”
For Chris Ikana, the rally was his first “No Kings” protest — and one that left an impression.
“Seeing the community here as a whole and seeing us so diverse and seeing us so welcoming…that’s meant a lot,” Ikana said.
Ikana said he is concerned about how the United States is perceived globally.
“I think our global reputation is being destroyed,” Ikana said, adding that, as an immigrant, that is what concerns him most.
Still, he said gatherings like this can play an important role in driving awareness and change.
“The more we come together, the more we speak out against what’s going on, the more we use our right to protest and speak, then the more change will be brought about,” Ikana said.