No Kings Rally

October 19, 2025 • 6 Comments

The day in Santa Fe was as perfect as it could have been. An autumn chill to the air but stunningly clear and cloudless blue skies. Judging from the weather radar early in the morning, and post-rally media, the weather was quite decent nation-wide for the No Kings Rally. An estimated 7,000,000 people in the United States attended rallies in over two thousand cities. Combined, it was the largest rally for a single purpose in this country's history. There were 2,000 participants in Santa Fe alone.

The purpose of the No Kings Rallies this year has been to protest increasing authoritarianism in the current United States government. But in reality, the organizers wanted to keep a safe and peaceful atmosphere for anyone to protest as well as support a plethora of causes. The October 18 rally here at New Mexico's state capitol carried with it an extremely broad variety of interests including support of the United States, and its Constitution and democracy, religious and human rights, climate science and science in general, and anti-war and pro-peace ideology. There were supporters of immigrants and Palestinians, and for the people of Ukraine. Even amidst the serious themes and support of the Constitution and against autocracy, the No Kings protest rally retained a party atmosphere with brilliant signage, costumes, and a slight Halloween edge. It was a time to vent pent up feelings. To a person, everyone felt they had to do something, and the rally was the most accessible thing - a peaceful way for many different people with a variety of ideologies to say in plain English "No Kings". Not in America, a country that fought a nearly eight year war against King George III of England, who we hope was the last king of America.

When a person uses her or his skills to make a quilt like this, that is a different kind of dedication to the country.

The irony of the government calling anyone who is against some of its policies a member of ANTIFA (which is NOT an organization) is totally clear in the printing on the sweatshirt worn below. Sgt. Joseph Sindad and all the allied troops in World War II who were part of the Normandy invasion, were indeed ANTIFA. In other words, anti-fascist.

Young and old and everyone in between were gathered in Santa Fe. There does tend to be a lot of grey hair at these events. Grey but powerful!

And it is always encouraging to see every generation participating in its own way.

Catherine, TTT, Rebecca A., Tim, Karren, Steve, Pater, and Jean & Sam commented last week and I so appreciate that, given the fact that you are also busy. I hope you were also able to get out and about to enjoy the autumn!

until next Monday,

a passion for the image!

Keywords: artwork, Blacks Crossing Photography, Daryl A. Black, New Mexico, No Kings Rally, people, photography, photojournalism, Santa Fe, signs

Comments

Sara Woodburn(non-registered)

Thanks for sharing this great occasion around the country. I was seeing the photos from Japan, but just from the larger cities (other than SB where there were also some very creative signage).

Steve Immel(non-registered)

No Kings was the unifying theme, but the true story was broader as your photographs prove. The same was true in Taos where our little burg also had 2,000 participants. That's downright amazing in place with 6,500 residents and county with 38,000. As always, we punch above our weight. The point you make about the events being festive and joyous is apt and I suggest a model for our unified response. Far from hating America that upbeat tone shows quite the opposite.

Thanks for sharing the joy and passion we have for keeping our democracy intact. The battle continues and our might grows. Once again, the signs are the stars of the show.

Fred Barraza(non-registered)

YAY! Great photos. Thank you!

Terry P Thompson(non-registered)

you captured some great signs. We had a big turnout in Taos as well. NO KINGS!

Sandra Bray(non-registered)

So thankful to those who participated. Loved seeing those brilliant signs! Thank you, Daryl.

No comments posted.