Thousands here join the ‘No Kings’ protests

For Jennifer Apple, an associate professor of biology at SUNY Geneseo, cuts to the National Science Foundation spark concern over the future of the fight against climate change. That concern motivated Apple to join the “No Kings” day protest in Brighton on June 14.

“I’m very concerned about cuts to the National Science Foundation, (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), all these databases of information that scientists around the world use, (and) losing our place … just really frightens me,” she said.

Thousands of demonstrators in Pittsford, Brighton, Irondequoit, Fairport and Henrietta joined the ‘No Kings’ protests in “a nationwide day of defiance to reject authoritarianism.” 

These rallies, held in Rochester suburbs, coincided with a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army’s founding, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Demonstrations were organized as part of the broader 50501 initiative, which stands for “50 states, 50 protests, one day.” 

In Fairport’s demonstration, participants ranging in age from children to the elderly, some in wheelchairs, lined Church Street through the village from 10 a.m. until noon, while in Irondequoit, protestors gathered along Durand Eastman Beach. Meanwhile, at Brighton’s Twelve Corners, flag-waving crowds filled the streets with chants and song.

“I just think the country is really moving in a bad direction right now,” said Kathy Wiegand, who attended the Brighton rally. “People’s rights are being stomped on. It’s so important to be able to attract good people to this country, and I’m meeting more people who are actually leaving, and that’s really sad to me.”

Protestors spoke of a desire for a united front to oppose Trump administration actions, particularly in the aftermath of mass protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles. Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in response to the rallies.

“I’m afraid of how quickly he’s deploying the military for (what) the most part is peaceful protests,” said Michelle Abdella at Brighton’s protest. “I think he’s just doing it because of his own ego.”

Despite concerns about potential confrontations with Trump supporters, counter-protesters did not make an appearance, and local demonstrations remained peaceful.

Rochester was among more than 2,100 cities and towns nationwide that joined the protest co-sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union.

“Today’s No Kings actions have already drawn more than 5 million participants,” a No Kings statement reads. “They brought joy, drums, banners, and faith. They came not to clash—but to claim what is ours: the right to gather, to speak, and to rise.”

Apple views her participation as a means to draw attention to important issues.

“I keep writing to Congress people, hoping that they will make some news to prevent some of this damage to our budgets,” Apple said. “I feel like this is what I can do.”

In a message on TruthSocial Sunday night, Trump lauded ICE’s efforts and ordered the agency “to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.”

Narm Nathan is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and a member of the Oasis Project’s inaugural cohort. David Wazana, a student at Ithaca College, and Emmely Eli Texcucano, a University of Rochester student, are members of the Oasis Project’s second cohort.

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