“Our lives begin to end the day
we become silent about things that matter.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
The Denver Post estimated 30,000 people attended the protest, and other crowds in smaller cities and towns across Colorado, and more, one news source said seven million in all, from coast to coast. Hundreds with signs, including local friends, packed a prominent bridge across I-70, a major thoroughfare. I wanted to be in the thick of the gathering in the state’s largest city on October 18, 2025.
The voices of the people were loud and clear this day at the No Kings protest. It was not just to give a negative message against Trump, it was a positive celebration of democracy and freedom of speech. There were speeches and songs for about an hour at the State Capitol, then everyone took to their feet to march through the major downtown avenues, along 15th street and back on 17th street. It was a peaceful movement, with mostly handmade signs that blared with creative slogans and comments. I didn’t bring a sign, just my camera, but thanked many of those that did, as I took their photo. With some close ups, I told them I wasn’t taking faces, just sharing their message.
At the Capitol
Scroll through the images below
Marching the streets
Many chants echoed through the crowd. These were my favorites:
Say it loud, say it clear
Immigrants are welcome here
Show me what democracy looks like
This is what democracy looks like
Why No Kings protest? I don’t usually put my politics on social media, reluctant to get into an angry, nasty, comment exchange that often results. But I have many international followers that may not realize the seriousness of the causes of this protest. And, as MLK said, it’s important to speak out.
Trump, the U.S. president in his second term, has assumed power as an autocrat, even posting AI images of himself as king. It was beyond me how Americans elected him, a felon, misogynist, vindictive white supremacist. Federal departments have been stripped to barebones, including environmental protection, health care, and education. An estimated 300,000 government employees will have lost their jobs by the end of this year, especially targeting minority workers. All DEI programs, Diversity Equity Inclusion, have been trashed. And, worst of all, my heart goes out to minority people, mostly brown people, being indiscriminately, and often violently, rounded up in the streets by masked ICE quasi-military agents and imprisoned. Some have been sent to other countries where they have no ties and are known for violent prison systems. These actions, as well as many others, are fueled by disinformation, lies.
Trump has scorned any attempts to restrict him by the courts, Congress, and the Supreme Court, which he has packed with his own followers, and has made a point of attacking those lawyers, politicians, and government agents who have spoken against him, including universities with DEI programs. He’s sending military into large cities with no justification, fanning fear. His bullying tactics expand around the world, with punishing tariffs to damage international markets. Those in his own party are afraid to speak out because of his retribution. Our fragile democracy is under threat. Some of the posters at the protest were for peripheral issues—there are so many—but these are my concerns.
My thanks if you took the time to read to the end of this post. Or even if you just checked out the photos to get a feel for the message and the solidarity of the day.
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Sorry I missed you. I was in the crowd as well with my little sign. I loved all the creativity in the signs as well plus chatting with many of the marchers along the streets and on light rail. Last time I marched was in college for free speech. Things are so much worse now.🥲
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Thanks so much for reading and for being there! Please sign your post. I’d love to know who you are.
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We support you up here Ruth, but as you know we’re in our own battle against him right now. Maggie
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Thank you, Maggie. I’m well aware of his continued antagonism against our treasured neighbors.
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Just like Maggie, I support you too
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Thanks so much, Luisa!! I appreciate your comment and sentiment.
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Sending a big hug 🤗
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😘
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Excellent post, Ruth. I’m with you all the way. We had a great turnout in LA/Pasadena and it felt affirming to march with likeminded people. The state of our country is frightening and it is truly baffling to see his continued support and to witness how easily he dismantled our democratic safeguards. And the East Wing!😱
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I’m sure it was quite a crowd in the LA area! Yes, it is terrifying. After taking funding for those that need it, he is spending tons of money glorifying himself. Thanks so much, Jane for reading and for your thoughtful comment.
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Well done, Ruth, and well said. Another blog buddy, Tricia at Travels Through My Lens, just posted about her attendance at the Portland, OR, No Kings rally. It’s truly a nationwide (and beyond) movement.
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Thank you! I’ll check out that post.
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I’m glad there was such a massive turnout in Denver as was the case elsewhere.
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Thanks, Jay.
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Well done on standing up to the disgraceful things happening in your country now. I sympathise totally, and am also worried that it’s infectious as we’re facing a worrying movement towards racist and bigoted opinions here too. I wish all my US friends well and hope your country can recover when eventually it is given the chance to do so. I read all the signs – the messages are clear, coherent and often clever.
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Thanks so much for reading and your comment in support, Sarah. These movements seem to be spreading around the world, right now. I can’t understand why. It seems to be a pendulum swing for humans to be considerate and compassionate for only so long. Let’s hope that recovery is not so far away as it looks today.
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Hello! I am just getting back to blogging after doing so minimally (parental care and excess civic engagement – both still ongoing, but less lately). Anyway, I came across your post and am commenting in solidarity! It seems we have all been marching for years, but it is even more important now.
We participated by car in Fredericksburg and Williamsburg (Virginia). While we normally are on the ground, we had to do drive bys because we drove from one mother’s house to the other mother’s house. I have to say it was just so much fun waving, honking, and cheering! Thanks for your advocacy and your fight!
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Thanks so much for your visit and comment, LB! The drive-by seems like an interesting way to participate. There were many cars honking and waving in Denver as well.
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Wonderful and very clever signs. We must continue to resist!
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Yes, these protests are important. And having conversations with those that are not of like mind but are receptive to talking about it reasonably.
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Agreed; however, at the No Kings protest in Portland, there were Trump supporters present. The ones saw with were screaming, yelling and calling people names. It’s hard to have a conversation with people like that.
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We had a few on the edges in Denver. Those are not the people who are open to conversation!!
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I still can’t believe how many people voted for him …. again. But it’s incredible to hear how many people showed up for the No Kings protest.
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Thanks for your comment. There seems to be a right wing wave in many countries now, and unfortunately, many people are dazzled by celebrities instead of thoughtful government that helps people.
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Thanks for sharing photos and experiences of the day. I need that “make America not embarrassing again” shirt, that’s great!
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You’re welcome, Diana! There were so many clever slogans. That one grabbed me as well.
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Thank you for sharing these images, Ruth. The signs are really intelligent, creative and often funny. It is good to see people protesting and resisting the cruel government. Yes, it is quite hard to believe that he was elected again.
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Thanks for reading and your comment, Leighton! There was a solidarity and determination in the crowd, as well as a joy to share these feelings communally. It helps to keep our hopefulness alive.
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