Reporting by Steve Ahlquist and Sabrina Ruiz
On October 18, at least 15,000 people gathered outside the Rhode Island State House in Providence, joining countless other cities and towns across the United States to condemn President Trump’s fascist overreach and to declare that America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.
Here are all the speakers at the event. Direct links to each speaker are indexed in the description:
The march was so long that the beginning of the march met the end of the march when it looped back towards the State House.
A rule called the 3.5% Rule developed by political scientist Erica Chenoweth suggests that if a peaceful protest can sustain participation by 3.5% of a population (or more), it has a real chance of influencing policy and politics. 39,000 people would be 3.5% of RI. If the numerous geographic protests of October 18 are added together, we are close but not quite there yet with something like 20 – 25,000 total. Nationally, about 7 million people took part, with a mathematical goal of about 12 million. Considering the first round of No Kings protests, June 14, attracted around 10,000 in RI between multiple sites (4 – 5 million nationally), we seem to be accelerating rapidly. The 3.5% is meant as an indicator, not a magic number, where protesters represent a level of broader dissatisfaction among those not inclined to protest. But if this movement can continue growing at this pace, it could represent real change – so keep an eye out for the next No Kings rally near you. Most of the notifications come out through social media from local activists, but you can also keep an eye on nokings.org
Speakers at the October event included emcee Alisha Pina, PVD Mayoral candidate David Morales, and RI state senator Tiara Mack.
Emcee Pina declared, “This is what we deserve — peaceful treatment, human kindness … Right now we don’t need a king. We don’t need a fascist. We don’t need dictators. We don’t need tyranny. And we sure don’t need hate … We’re going to help when ICE comes. We’re going to help our neighbors because that’s what they are. They are not others, they are our neighbors. They’re Rhode Islanders.”
“Say it loud and say it clear! Immigrants are welcomed here!” Morales told an enthusiastically receptive crowd, “And for that reason, we are here today to reject all forms of fascism, including ICE, because ICE is not welcome in Rhode Island! … Together we’re going to demonstrate that Rhode Island is a home for everyone, especially our immigrant brothers, sisters, and nonbinary friends.”
Tiara Mack added, “I am here to remind you that love and solidarity are more important than what they try to do to divide us … No action of solidarity is too small … It is our duty to fight for our freedom.”
With some attendees dancing around in inflatable or over-the-top outfits, and a calm police presence watching over events, the demonstrations were entirely, inspiringly non-violent.