Large rallies were seen scattered across cities nationwide during the No Kings protest on March 28. Demonstrators took to the I-75 Estero Parkway overpass to participate in the local assembly. 

Attendees lined the narrow concrete sidewalks, waving flags and holding signs as vehicles drove across and underneath the bridge. 

Protestors aimed to advocate against several issues, with signs seen displaying ICE, war and climate change. The rally primarily challenged President Donald Trump’s highly controversial presidency and policies. 

“It’s the first time ever that I’ve been so saddened and disheartened by an administration,” said Barbara Bauer, one of the protestors in attendance. 

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A majority of the Estero protesters believe Trump and his administration are a threat to democracy, including Jamie Dallas, organizer of the Estero protest.

“It’s a very dangerous time in this country right now,” Dallas said. “We need to get informed and we need to protect our rights. The only way to protect our rights is to exercise them.”

The protest attracted both locals and visitors. Bauer, a 61-year-old tourist and her 57-year-old sister Brenda Wood, heard about the event while visiting from Minneapolis. Since the two have witnessed the ongoing protests back home, they were eager to participate.

“Every basic thing this country has stood for is now being turned upside down,” Wood said. “I am thrilled to see how many people are still out and are still with us.”

Bauer and Wood had several reasons for protesting against Trump, but their main concern was over corruption in the White House. 

“My concern is that there are no checks and balances to this administration whatsoever. They’re doing exactly what they please, with little or no forethought to the country,” Bauer said.

Local protestors had similar reasons for speaking out. Amelia Poole, a 38-year-old resident who worked with two protests on March 28, advocated primarily for women’s rights, but also emphasized what “No Kings” stood for.

“You as a president, you can’t have unlimited power. That is not okay,” Poole said. “We’re not saying we have a king; we’re saying you can’t act like it.” 

Younger audiences also came out in support of the event, such as 18-year-old Cassandra Jordan, an FGCU student. Jordan advocated for climate change, but also emphasized how crucial it is for other students to be aware in today’s political climate. 

“Really educate yourself on what exactly is going on, because that’s when you have the most power,” Jordan said. “Education is something that they can’t take away from us. They can’t take knowledge away.”

Jordan has seen firsthand the changes these protests can bring. 

“I went to one [protest] on this bridge in September and there were only about 20 people that day,” Jordan said. “So, just seeing the movement grow over time has been really amazing. It just really brings hope because love just brings us all together.”

Dallas believes everyone, especially younger audiences, should continue to educate one another so that freedom can persist.

“Every generation has to stand up and protect democracy over and over again. It doesn’t stick. It requires constant work,” Dallas said.

Other participants also emphasized the importance of protesting and the awareness it brings to concerned populations.

“I think it’s about letting people know that they’re not alone,” Poole said. “I sit at home and I look at Threads, and I feel hopeless and overwhelmed. And then I come here and it just really feeds my soul because I get surrounded by all these like-minded people.”

Like Poole, participants on the overpass valued being surrounded by those with similar political ideals. However, several protestors also encouraged working with opposing political parties to maintain the people’s voice. 

“This is not left versus right,” Jordan said. “It’s top versus bottom. It’s the rich versus us. I think it’s so beautiful when we can see people from all different political spectrums connecting.”

By the end of the protest, over 200 participants came out in support of the rally.

Through this gathering, attendees hoped those watching from the sidelines would be left motivated to learn and use their voices for change.

“I leave these rallies, and I just feel so empowered,” Poole said. “I’m getting emotional talking about it, and that’s what it’s all about.”