“This is what democracy looks like” 

A large, peaceful crowd at the Illinois State Capitol shouted that statement, which was also featured on numerous signs during the No Kings protest rally on Saturday, Oct. 18. Although storms were predicted, there was no rain at the protest rally promoting no reign.

Springfield was among more than 2,500 No Kings rallies planned across all 50 states to protest the actions of the Trump administration. People of all ages were present. The crowd filled the area around the Lincoln statue on the Capitol grounds, extended across Second Street by the Illinois State Library and State Supreme Court building and all along both sides of Second Street.  Some who had attended the June rally noted that the current crowd was twice as large. Others were attending a protest for the first time.    

Springfield’s No Kings protest rally was organized by Undivided and Focused, a local grassroots group whose Facebook page promotes “a way of being that is undivided by our differences, focused on restoring our shared humanity and our democracy.” Its stated purpose is “to protect the freedom that makes us neighbors, to practice empathy as the cornerstone of democracy and to live our First Amendment not only as a right, but as a responsibility to one another.”

Erin Van Brooker, a civil engineer who works for a consulting firm; Tara Bergschneider, a nurse; and Kristi Poole, a hospice aide, were the principal organizers of the Springfield event.

Bergschneider said she is devoted to serving people. She is a nurse, wife, mom and cancer survivor who believes in the importance of science. 

“Loving people is what I do,” Bergschneider told Illinois Times. “My God tells me to lay my fears down and love people,” she said.

Signs at the No Kings protest ranged from serious to humorous. A group of people wearing inflatable dinosaur costumes marched through the area, holding signs that read: “T-Rex Against Tyrrany.” PHOTOS BY ZACH ADAMS

The program began with Eli Hewitt singing the national anthem and Rev. Martin Woulfe giving an invocation. Candidates for public office and activists were among the speakers.

The American flag was prevalent.  “MAGA doesn’t own the American flag,” Springfield resident Virginia Scott told Illinois Times.

Retired nurse Lisa Henderson has lived her entire life in Springfield. She commented on the multi-generations in attendance and told Illinois Times she was proud of our city protesting peacefully and with so many generations turning out.