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On October 18, 2025, the United States witnessed one of the largest coordinated protest movements in its history as the “No Kings” marches surged through more than 2,600 cities nationwide. With an estimated 7 million participants, the demonstrations marked a powerful rebuke of current WH administration and its perceived authoritarian tendencies.
In New York City alone, over 300,000 people took to the streets, transforming the city into a sea of yellow—the color chosen by organizers to symbolize democracy and nonviolent resistance. Harlem saw hundreds of demonstrators marching with signs reading “No Kings in America” and “Workers Over Billionaires,” echoing the movement’s core message: a rejection of autocracy and a demand for the preservation of democratic norms.
The New York City Central Labor Council hosted a feeder march that began in Duarte Square and moved north to join the main procession at 14th Street. Labor unions, community organizations, and grassroots activists united under banners calling for healthcare protections, workers’ rights, and an end to billionaire-driven policies.
Across the country, cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver saw tens of thousands gather in solidarity. In Seattle, organizers claimed the protest may have been the largest in the city’s history, with chants of “Democracy not Monarchy” echoing through downtown. Denver experienced peaceful demonstrations in dozens of locations.
The No Kings movement, which began earlier in the year with a June 14 day of action, has rapidly grown into a national force. Organizers describe it as a nonviolent mobilization to defend democratic institutions and resist what they see as the erosion of civil liberties under the current WH leadership. Protesters voiced concerns over government shutdowns, healthcare cuts, and the deployment of federal troops in Democratic-led cities, which they view as tactics of intimidation.
In Times Square, the heart of New York’s protest, drums, cowbells, and chants filled the air. “This is what democracy looks like,” rang out as families, students, and workers marched side by side. Despite the massive turnout, police reported no arrests in New York, underscoring the peaceful nature of the demonstrations. Hundreds marched in Harlem.
The October 18 marches were not just a moment – they were a movement. With millions mobilized and thousands of local actions, No Kings Day has become a defining chapter in America’s ongoing struggle to uphold democratic values. As organizers look ahead, they vow to continue building momentum, ensuring that the voices of everyday Americans are heard loud and clear.
photos by
Seitu Oronde
“No Kings” – Harlem
