No Thrones, No Crowns, No Vows, No Kings: We Are Indivisible
- Dr. Wil Rodriguez
- Jun 14, 2025
- 2 min read
By: Dr. Wil Rodriguez
“When power parades itself like royalty, the people rise—not to celebrate, but to remind the world: we are not subjects, we are sovereign.”
June 14, 2025 – New York City
On a day marked by pomp and power—the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade, and President Trump’s 79th birthday—New Yorkers took to the streets en masse under a powerful banner: “No Kings”. Tens of thousands marched peacefully through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, declaring that no one is above the law and authority must be accountable.
Voices from the Streets
Bryant Park to Fifth Avenue: Around 50,000 people assembled in Manhattan, organized by the grassroots 50501 Movement, in direct response to what they perceived as an authoritarian display .
Symbolic protest methods: Protestors carried American flags upside-down, crossed-out crown signs, and inflated “Baby Trump” balloons—creative expressions of dissent at the intersection of politics and culture .
Peaceful yet potent: Despite heightened NYPD presence and security warnings, the demonstrations remained largely non-violent, with only minor incidents reported near pro-Palestinian encampments .
The Heart of the Demand
Participants and speakers voiced opposition to several rising concerns:
Authoritarianism: Contending with what they view as the misuse of military symbolism to project personal power .
Immigration policies: In solidarity with parallel protests targeting ICE enforcement in Manhattan .
Civil liberties: Stressing, as Donna Lieberman (NYCLU) reminded protesters, “In America, we don’t do kings” .
People Over Power
A participant emphasized:
“Flag Day isn’t about a $40 million spectacle or a wannabe king. We refuse to be bullied into silence.”
Their presence was an embodiment of collective dissent—transforming a celebration of power into a platform for democracy.
National Wave, Local Roots
2,000+ protests simultaneously took place in cities across all 50 states (and in Canada), reflecting a hybrid of unity and local expression .
In major U.S. cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, protesters united under the No Kings slogan, reflecting widespread discomfort with authoritarian symbolism .
The movement aligns with the 50501 Movement—short for “50 protests, 50 states, one movement”—a decentralized, digital-initiated effort now building visible momentum nationwide .
Implications and Reflection
Reframing powerful displays: Protesters question whether military parades should underscore unity or amplify personal mythology.
Grassroots organizing: A hybrid model—online planning with real-world execution—speaks to new forms of civic engagement.
Symbols vs. substance: What begins as symbolic dissent (crowns, flags) ripples into conversations about justice, equity, and governance.
🔗 Join the Conversation
If you resonate with the call to reject authoritarianism and celebrate democracy:
Participate in local civic forums or gatherings powered by Indivisible or 50501
Connect with liberty-guarding organizations like the NYCLU
Reflect on how peaceful dissent, even in symbolism, can reshape public consciousness
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