March from Chochenyo Park, noon rally at Alameda City Hall
Alameda will join more than 2,500 locations across the nation this Saturday, October 18, to again proclaim in peaceful protests that the U.S. President is not a king and that democracy in our country will not fall.
[1]
The last Alameda “No Kings!” march and rally, held on June 14, at City Hall, drew a crowd of at least 3,000 [2], with many more joining from the march. Nationwide, rallies drew more than 5 million people across all 50 states. This weekend, millions are again expected to send a clear message that the United States is a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force.
This Saturday’s march from Chochenyo Park to Alameda City Hall is set to start at 10 a.m. with a “Family Fun Pre-Rally” at the Park, 2430 Encinal Avenue. Activities will include making Statue of Liberty hats as well as signs and buttons, bubble blowing, sidewalk chalk drawing, music, practicing march chants, singing and dancing, the human slot machine, and local organizations tables. The march to City Hall starts at 11:30 a.m.
The rally at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, starts at noon, although many gather a good bit earlier to find a spot and get a good view of the many clever hand-made signs and art. Speakers will address what Americans can do to help protect our freedom and our future, and to send a loud and clear message that the President of the United States is not a king.
“We’re gathering again to peacefully show our ongoing resolve to defend our democracy and stand up for the rights of the people—all of the people,” said volunteer organizer Tina Davis.
[3]Speakers and performers will include:
Mia Bonta, California State Assemblymember for District 18 and supporter of Proposition 50, the critical redistricting legislation.Update Oct. 17 9:45 a.m.: The Post just received an urgent email from City of Alameda Public Information Officer, Sarah Henry, stating that Assemblymember Bonta would not be attending. We have reached out to organizers and Assm. Bonta’s office to confirm. Update Oct. 17 10:10 a.m.: Shalom Bruhn of EB-FLOW has confirmed in an email, “Mia Bonta has removed herself from the lineup.”- Emcee Jeff Raz, former Ringmaster of Cirque Du Soleil and head of Citizen Joy!
- Local activists and leaders.
“Thousands of us right here in Alameda will make it clear that we will not stop until democracy is secure and people are treated with respect,” said Shalom Bruhn of EB-FLOW (East Bay-Fierce, Loving, Organized Women).
Groups organizing the “No Kings!” rallies across the country include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United We Dream, among others. A full list of partners can be seen on the No Kings [4] website.