Well over 200 people gathered in a small section of Cunningham Park last Saturday as the national No Kings 3 event came to Fresh Meadows.
The crowd, armed only with signs, musical instruments and their voices, gathered on the northwest corner of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Union Turnpike to protest President Trump, the war with Iran, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and more.
The rally was organized by Northeast Queens Indivisible.
“I just want peace,” said community resident Jossie O’Neill. “I want the war to end.”
But O’Neill added that she, family and friends, from New York to Puerto Rico, are concerned about ICE operations and other Trump administration policies.
Scores of drivers honked their horns in support as they drove past. While a No Kings protest two blocks to the north back in October drew about a dozen counterprotesters, none were visible Saturday.
“Maybe they’ve given up,” one protester suggested. “Or maybe they’re scared.”
Bagpiper Richard Niccolich of Middle Village could be heard over the crowd, arriving to play “We Shall Overcome” and a few other selections in his full uniform.
“I’m a protester,” Niccolich confirmed to the Chronicle upon finishing, as No Kings allies lining the sidewalk applauded.
He was not the only live music on hand. About a dozen musicians from a number of musical and community organizations performed a medley of folk songs for the crowd.
The attendees carried posters of every kind. Some looking professionally done, hammering Trump in general and various policies in particular, while many were of the homemade variety.
Messages ranged from political and constitutional arguments to the Epstein files and accusations of criminal activity. Still others lampooned the president with humor and wit.
Margaret Borger’s simple, hand-drawn mock movie poster called Trump 2 “the worst sequel ever,” with references to “Jaws” and “The Fly.”
“We have a sense of humor — they don’t,” Borger said.
Elected speakers included U.S. Rep Grace Meng (D-Flushing), state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) and Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens).
“They have chosen to fund ICE over employees of the [Transportation Safety Administration], [Federal Emergency Management Administration] and the Coast Guard,” Meng said. “Look around. There are families, friends, neighbors, strangers … I know you are angry and frustrated and tired. But you re making a difference.”
“We are out here again, and we will be whenever necessary and however often ,” Liu said. “We represent America. We’re the best of America … Our liberties are at stake. Our country is at war. People are making war on our country against our fellow Americans. It is absolutely atrocious.”
Lee sad she was proud to see Eastern Queens residents show up in numbers.
“As a member of the Council, and as someone who used to work in social services and nonprofits that help and protect immigrant communities, I can tell you that the City Council is 100 percent committed to making sure that our immigrant communities and those who are marginalized are represented and protected,” Lee said.