Thousands of people stood shoulder to shoulder on Saturday near Blackstone and Nees avenues, raising posterboards reading phrases like, “Free America from tyranny” and “ICE out for good.” as a part of the third No Kings protest in Fresno.
The people of Fresno weren’t the only ones organizing protests on Saturday. More than 3,200 demonstrations were planned across the country for the third rendition of the No Kings protests that began last year, with the first on June 14 and the second on Oct. 18.
Amongst the thousands stood one protester, Patricia Brewer, holding a sign with Smokey the Bear that reads, “Only you can prevent fascism,” while she wore an inflatable bear costume to accompany the sign.
Having participated in the last two No Kings protests, Brewer still felt equally compelled to attend the third.
“I think we can’t sit idly by and watch what’s happening to our democracy,” Brewer said. “We need to stand up, make our voices heard and vote blue in November.”
Inflatable costumes weren’t the only eye-catching outfits at the protest. Around a dozen people were wearing hi-vis vests as they guided protesters crossing between the various entrances and exits of parking lots in the River Park shopping center.
These crossing guards are a part of the safety team with Central Valley Indivisible (CVI), a grassroots organization founded after Donald Trump’s first election in 2016. The coalition aims to elevate progressive policies in The Valley and build a democracy that reflects a broad, inclusive nation.
Sharon Bell Stevens was one of the many crossing guards at the protest, and said that their main goal was to keep everyone safe.
“We’re out here for a cause, and the worst thing that could happen is somebody gets hurt,” Stevens said. “The traffic has the right of way, so we’re going to try and make sure that we’re stopping our people so [cars] can make their turns.”
While she didn’t see any counter-protesters that day, she would encourage those with opposing views to make their voices heard.
“If you believe in what you say, then you should be out here representing that,” Stevens said. “That’s our freedom, to speak up and stand up for what’s right, what we truly believe in.”
Stevens also invited more people to come out to the next No Kings protest in the future.
“If you value your freedom and your right to vote, you ought to be here,” Stevens said. “Next time, let’s double the crowd.”
In a folding chair not far from the crowded sidewalk was a man in a Vietnam Veteran hat named Leo Bradshaw. Noting the similarities between the history of this country and what’s happening in the present day, Bradshaw spoke of his childhood.
“I’m from the era of when this country was segregated,” Bradshaw said. “I went to an all black school. They didn’t have integrated schools in Mississippi when I grew up. I grew up not having a just country.”
Bradshaw said that, while the United States has come a long way, progress isn’t permanent.
“If we let Trump stay out here, then we’re going to go back to where we were before,” Bradshaw said. “When the Klu Klux Klan ran everything and they burnt crosses in my front post, that’s the ugly part of American history that we shouldn’t forget.”
Bradshaw also emphasized how important voting is in making change in America.
“People need to vote,” Bradshaw said. “That’s how we changed things in the ‘60s, we registered to vote. I set up a voting registration drive in Mississippi in the early ‘60s. [Voting] is the only way we’re going to change things in the polls, we have to vote.”
Larry Bernarth, another protester, listed the multitude of issues he has with the current administration.
“The war in Iran, the supporting of Israel taking over Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinians,” Bernarth said.
Bernarth left a message for those who didn’t come to the No Kings protest and are unsure of how to get involved.
“Make sure you vote, get off your ass and vote,” Bernarth said. “It’s now or never. I’m 70 years old, my son and my grandkids are probably going to have some issues if we don’t get this back on track and save our democracy. We have to fight for it.”
