Gray, drizzly weather didn’t dampen the spirits of approximately 300 people who gathered at Hamilton Park on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18, for the second “No Kings” protest.
A dozen citizens from various organizations spoke to an attentive crowd. Flags, frogs and butterflies punctuated the colorful signs held by attendees who came out to support the growing movement.
The skies cleared as the event began with a welcome from organizer Beth Schuman, who reminded attendees that political polarization is fueled by fear and that the antidote to fear is community. She called on the crowd to focus on helping their neighbors.
Schuman later said the event was important “because of all the despair in the country and all the people I’ve met that say, ‘Why should we even try?’ This country was designed to be run by the people … we need to be hopeful. We need to know that where we find our power is when we combine our efforts and our resources and our minds and our thoughts and get together and raise our voices.”
The gathering featured speakers from various backgrounds:
Pastor Mel Martinez of Safe Harbor Church opened with an inclusive prayer, encouraging everyone to celebrate the diversity that God created and to be united in compassion and peace.
Army veteran Blaine Purcell spoke about the Insurrection Act of 1807, the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 and the role of democracy. He shared a message he received from “a good Christian woman”: “If we truly believe in freedom, we must never stop trying to preserve it.”
Congress Democratic Candidate Mark Nair,told the audience: “As citizens, you do not report to a sovereign. You are not subjects. We all have a voice — but we are losing our voice with every day that goes by.” He urged collective action to build a better world.
Former District 3 city council candidate, Cathy Dodson, emphasized the importance of local elections. She noted that 89% of District 3 residents did not vote in the last election. “The only thing that beats a lot of money is a vote,” she said, offering questions voters seeking transparency should ask candidates.
Wichita County Democratic chair Chelsea Streeter echoed the need for civic engagement. She criticized the prevalence of uncontested races and called on more people to run for local office. Streeter also highlighted the lack of adequate school funding over the past 30 years and promoted a school supply drive — particularly for Clorox wipes. Those interested in donating can contact her at [email protected].
Pastor Andrew Lemlyn of New Hope Presbyterian Church spoke about wealth, power and faith. He said wealth is often mistaken for worth and that “there’s a difference between faith and fandom.” He reminded listeners that “no one is above the law, and no one should be beneath our concern.”
Claudia Montoya encouraged the crowd to meet their neighbors and stand up for marginalized communities. Referring to threats against undocumented immigrants, she said, “When you have people in front of you with guns, your camera is the only weapon you have…People are terrified. Please help.”
Kelly Shrubs urged peaceful intervention and mutual protection. “As citizens, we can peacefully intervene,” she said. “Ask, ‘Who are you? What are you doing?’”
Jewish Voice for Peace Isaac Christiansen criticized U.S. foreign policy, including strikes on Venezuela and what he described as genocide in Gaza.
Member of the Young Democrats Joseph Adair emphasized free speech and government accountability. “He has no power if we don’t give it to him,” he said.
Traci Roberts, a recruiting specialist from the Texas Family Initiative, discussed the shortage of foster homes in Wichita County and the importance of keeping children within their communities.
The event closed with music and conversations among participants. Several members of the WAC Young Democrats handed out flyers and answered questions.
“It’s important to me to let young people know that it’s important to vote,” said Nyome Munoz.
David Wilson added, “Young people have the power — we are becoming the largest generation in America today … and nobody votes. There’s an election coming up in November, and we all need to get out there and vote on the propositions across the state of Texas.”
Local voting information from the League of Women Voters of Texas is available at the Moffett Library. Election day is Nov. 4 from 7:00 am to 7:00pm. The Sikes Lake Center is one of the registered polling locations.
