No Kings Protest in Downtown WS

By: Clare Buchanan

Protestors in Downtown Winston-Salem for the “No Kings” Protest. Photo Credit: Clare Buchanan

On Oct. 18, Camel City United Indivisible held its second No Kings Protest of 2025. This protest was a part of a series of national protests against President Donald Trump and recent policies passed during his second administration. Similar protests have been held across the country in major cities across the US. According to CNN’s Oct. 2025 article by Rebekah Reiss, “Protestors Rally Against The Trump Administration at ‘No Kings’ Events Across The Country”, reporters were sent to nearly 2,500 separate events across all 50 states. According to PBS News’s Oct. 2025 article by Mike Pesoli and Gary Fields, “‘No Kings’ Rally in DC on Nationwide Day of Protests Against Trump Administration”, President Trump is aware of the mass mobilization efforts being made by thousands across the nation and has commented that, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” However, protestors disagree.

The No Kings Protest in downtown Winston-Salem was held in partnership with the musical group, Piedmont Raging Grannies, as well as an impressive lineup featuring several local officials, including Reverend Richard Sigler, Kimberlee Biondi from Red, Wine & Blue, Lewisville Mayoral Candidate Bill Carter, organizing director for AFT North Carolina Jennifer Mangrum, and NAACP Education Coordinator Ronda Mays. 

Protesters took up both sides of the sidewalk on N. Main Street, holding protest signs and carrying papier-mache effigies of President Trump wearing diapers and crowns. One woman wore a Donald Trump face mask and a crown on her head. As I walked around the protest, I had the opportunity to interview a few protesters about their reasoning behind attending the protest. Class of 2026 Salem College student, Lillian Allen, said she was fascinated by the nationwide movement and walked downtown to participate. Noting the diverse age ranges present at the protest, Lillian said the protest “brought together so many demographics.” A protestor who wished to stay anonymous noted she was present at the protest because she felt the need to “protect our democracy.” 

I had the opportunity to interview Caroline Garrish and Seras Wolfe, a couple who had come to the protest together to advocate for their belief in marriage equality and accessibility for all. Garrish came prepared to the protest, holding a sign that read, “Manchild, won’t you let an innocent woman be?”, likely referencing the Sabrina Carpenter song “Manchild.” The innocent woman in question was none other than Lady Liberty herself. 

Cheryl and Richard Bey also attended the protest together. Richard Bey said he believed “the country is headed downhill.” When I asked Cheryl to tell me more about her sign, she flipped it over and showed a picture of Donald Trump playing tennis in a white polo and shorts set with the words, “Does this ass make my country look small?” written next to the image in permanent marker. Chuckling, Cheryl flipped her sign around to relay a more serious message that read, “Employment (arrow down), Fear + Hate (arrow up).” When asked why Cheryl chose to participate in the protest, she noted how she finds President Trump’s leadership style to be less than ideal. “Words matter. And he says horrible things about people.” 

The protest downtown drew in a significant crowd, as cars drove down Main Street, honking their horns to show support. Mike Redmon was another protester I got the opportunity to meet while at the protest. Holding a sign that said “ICE Deez Nuts”, Redmon noted that “Every day he [President Trump] tears down the country a little more.” 

It was clear on Oct. 18 that protesters were fed up with the current administration’s policies, rhetoric, and style of governance. Through a cheeky display of dissatisfaction on the streets of downtown Winston-Salem, protestors sought to boldly defend American democracy. However, what remains less clear is the true effect of these protests and their ability to realistically sway the current administration. 

Flyer of the “No Kings” Protests in Downtown Winston Salem Photo Credit: Clare Buchanan