It was the largest protest in U.S. history. More than 3,300 rallies in all 50 states and more on every continent across the globe. It’s an understatement to say No Kings III was an overwhelming success.
It wove a rich tapestry of defiance; featured colorful, handmade signs; encouraged friends and family to rally together; and was supercharged by first-time participants. A strategy of “Each One Reach One” contributed to the astonishing turnout. Democracy is not a spectator sport, and citizens can’t afford to stay on the sidelines.
There is a temptation after an event of this magnitude to replay the powerful images, to bask in the achievements. Sustaining momentum doesn’t just happen. It must be built. Same with solidarity. A single day of protest, as important as No Kings was, cannot alone carry a movement. What comes next does.
Historian Heather Cox Richardson has written that democracy depends not on institutions alone but on the willingness of ordinary people to defend them. Which points to a simple truth: Participation is the safeguard.
Another take-away from March 28 is staying positive. Joy. Humor. Creativity. There was a celebratory air to the rallies, signifying, “We may not have achieved all our goals, but we’re in it together.” It’s about more than opposition; it’s also community building—affirming a collective commitment to a more just, inclusive society.
The No Kings protests were never intended as an end-all-be-all, but they are a dramatic next step for a movement growing stronger after an injection of Vitamin M—momentum.
No Kings has found its rhythm, not through a sprint to the next grand, nationwide protest, but by pacing itself for the marathon. It’s about keeping its eye on the prize—not just to reclaim democracy, but to make sure it can never again be threatened by a wannabe strongman.
If the antidote to anxiety is action, what are we waiting for?
Rob Okun is editor emeritus of ‘Voice Male,’ which has long chronicled the profeminist men’s movement.
