What to know for ‘No Kings Day’ protests in Baltimore region

Hundreds of cities and towns around the nation will see demonstrations in opposition to President Donald Trump and his policies on Saturday in what has been dubbed “No Kings” protests to remind him America is a democracy.

The day marks the U.S. Army’s 250^th anniversary but it is also Trump’s 79^th birthday, and he has sought to conflate the two by planning a military parade to celebrate both. June 14 is also Flag Day.

The Army’s 250^th anniversary celebration was planned when Joe Biden was president, though The Washington Post reports it was originally intended to be a much smaller, more modest affair. Once Trump was elected, plans changed, as he finally found a reason for the formal yet performative demonstration of military might he has been saying he wants since before he took office the first time. Cue hundreds of military vehicles and thousands of soldiers rolling into Washington, D.C. for the occasion.

The number of rallies planned this weekend reflect polling numbers that came out showing the majority of Americans disapprove of Saturday’s military parade. According to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, around 6 in 10 Americans say the parade is “not a good use” of government money, including 78% who neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall. Roughly 4 in 10 Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” approve of the parade, 3 in 10 “somewhat” or “strongly” disapprove, and 3 in 10 neither approve nor disapprove.

Those who argue against the parade, aside from opposing the waste, object to the message sent by a military parade, citing their popularity with dictators in North Korea or the former USSR. Those who approve see it as an opportunity to celebrate the Army’s accomplishments on a milestone anniversary.

Despite Trump’s threatening people who protest at the military parade with “very heavy force,” there will be protests aplenty. Baltimore Fishbowl has not found any planned for the site of his parade, which is intentional.

“On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” reads the No Kings website. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.” The website shows dozens of events taking place in Maryland, with at least seven planned in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County.

There are also events in Frederick, Annapolis, La Plata, listed by Free State Coalition.

In Bel Air, there is a rally and demonstration beginning at noon. Ronnie Davis, an organizer with Indivisble and Chair of the Harford Democratic Club, told Baltimore Fishbowl they will meet in front of U.S. Rep. Andy Harris’s office on E. Churchville Road at 12 p.m.

“Around 12:45 we will begin to march up Main Street to Shamrock Park where we will hear speakers and have our rally,” Davis said. “It will break around 2pm. We are collecting items for the Vets at Perry Point in Cecil County. We have over 400 people who are registered.”

Jessica Davis, an organizer with Free State Coalition (FSC) told Baltimore Fishbowl that FSC has joined with 50501 Maryland, Love Thy Neighbor, The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and the Baltimore City Bridge Brigade, to organize a statewide “Overpass Extravaganza” on Saturday at 10 a.m. They are encouraging sign-waving at overpasses at “ANY and EVERY highway overpass in Maryland, specifically those crossing Interstates 68, 70, 81, 83, 95, 97, 170, 195, 270, 295, 370, 395, 495, 595, 695, 795, 895; and MD Routes US 1, US 15, US 29, US 40, US 50, US 113, US 13, US 301, US 219, US 220, US 340, US 11, and US 522.”

Davis said the protest is designed to signal to neighbors they are not alone in fighting against Trump’s actions and to demonstrate solidarity. It is also designed to send the clear message that Maryland “does not, and will not, bow to any king. Ever.”

Since it is also the same day as Baltimore Pride, FSC encourages participants to have their messages be LGBTQIA+ focused, especially supporting trans veterans given how the Trump administration has targeted trans people in the military.

Davis offers the following advice for staying safe, regardless of the type of protest, rally, or action people attend:

• Know your rights – Consult trustworthy authorities like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) before you go and stay fully informed about your rights as a protester.
• Be smart – Don’t go alone, stay with a group, and take direction from marshals.
• Bring only essentials – Pack water, snacks, ID, cash, a phone, and a first aid kit.
• Dress appropriately – Wear comfortable, nondescript clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Demonstrate peaceful intent – Don’t bring weapons or anything that could be misconstrued as a weapon, and don’t damage or destroy property.
• Remain calm – Don’t engage with provocateurs or respond to aggression.
• Document everything – Take videos and photos of the event or even go live on social media to spread the word about what is happening.
• Have an emergency plan – Memorize key phone numbers and designate a meetup spot in case you get separated.

Here is a rundown of Baltimore and surrounding area rallies, actions, and events taking place on Saturday, June 14^th, No Kings Day. Steven Wampler, owner of Advantage Awards and Engraving, has made some free signs for protesters to grab for the occasion.

BALTIMORE CITY:

• 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.: The Observatory at Patterson Park, E. Lombard St. and S. Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD

BALTIMORE COUNTY:

• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.: St. Stephen’s Church, 1601 Old Eastern Ave. (on all four corners), Essex, MD; Church has ramp, will be open for use of bathrooms.
• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Rally at intersection of Rolling Road and Route 40 West, near Double T Diner; 6300 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD; Bring signs and plan to stay on sidewalks.
• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Stocksdale Overpass and 795, Reisterstown, MD
• 12 pm. – 1 p.m.: Sign waving at Frederick Road and 695 Overpass, Catonsville, MD
• 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Glen Burnie Town Center Plaza, 101 Crain Hway N., Glen Burnie, MD

HOWARD COUNTY:

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Corner of Broken Land Parkway and Little Patuxent Parkway, 11100 Broken Land Pkway, Columbia, MD