Costumes, cardboard crowns and handmade signs filled the National Mall during the “No Kings” March on Oct. 18, as Americans used creativity to reclaim their voices in an era many feel has turned against them. The rally was both a protest and a celebration. An act of civic defiance that mixed humor and hope in the face of fear.
While the nationwide demonstrations drew an estimated 7 million participants, the tone of the Washington crowd felt deeply personal. Protesters arrived dressed as jesters, popular cartoon characters such as Squidward and Elmo, revolutionaries, religious figures and even founding fathers — a symbolic rejection of authoritarianism wrapped in satire.
Many who spoke to The Experience chose to share only their first names, citing privacy concerns. Their decision reflects a growing trend in the country where many Americans feel cautious about expressing political views publicly.
“I want the rest of the world and the rest of the country to know we aren’t OK with this,” said Ana of Alexandria, Virginia.
Don, who woke up at 4:30 a.m. to drive from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia said, “I don’t think many people who voted on either side thought this would be what was happening 10 months ago,”
Among the crowd stood Mike, a Navy veteran, and his wife Janet, who marched together through Washington D.C. as they proudly held a sign that talked about how proud he and his family are to be fighting for the country yet again.
“The country turned into a kind of a police state. People are fed up,” Mike said. “There’s so many constitutional violations going on right now. That needs to stop. I think it’s going to come down to people protesting.”
Janet added, “We want our grandchildren to have a country that is free, and kind and acceptable.”
National figures and advocacy groups also took the stage at the rally that took place after the march where Pennsylvania Avenue meets Constitution Avenue. The rally headlined by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, emphasized the urgency of protecting democratic rights under the Trump administration. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut drew one of the day’s loudest ovations when he warned against complacency.
“The truth is that [Donald Trump] is enacting a detailed step-by-step plan to try to destroy all of the things that protect our democracy: free speech, fair elections and independent press, the right to peacefully protest,” Murphy said. “But the truth is he has not won yet. The people still rule in this country.”
Here in California, Los Medanos College President Pamela Ralston said the protests reflect a wider civic awakening.
“This was an effort by 7 million people to say we are not happy with the direction our government is going,” Ralston said. “Clearly what we saw happen this last weekend was the most widespread set of protest gatherings in American history.”
Ralston, a former student activist herself, emphasized how community colleges nurture that same civic spirit. “Our general education helps students study and learn across a wide swath, which often helps them find their path to leadership.” she said. “We help you learn and grow without telling you what you need to think, and we support your own leadership process.”
Despite the high stakes nature of the modern American political climate, for most, the “No Kings” march was not just about anger — it was about joy. Protesters danced to brass bands, and laughed at satirical signs and found community through creativity. In a moment when democracy feels fragile, their playfulness reminded everyone that political engagement can still be an act of love and fun.
