Kids roamed the sidewalk wearing paper crowns, one woman passed out mini American flags and people showed up dressed in inflatable animal costumes. It may have seemed like a celebration, but the reason for the event was no laughing matter.
Across the country, people participated in “No Kings Day,” a series of protests planned for Oct. 18, organized to give a voice to those who are displeased with the current administration.
Although Oxford’s protest was scheduled from noon to 1 p.m., people gathered in Uptown Park as early as 11:20 a.m. Protesters held signs reading “No kings. No lies. No fears,” “It’s so bad even the introverts are here,” “Honk if you hate Nazis,” and “Impeach Trump.” As the event wore on, multiple vehicles honked as they passed, which spurred cheering from the protesters.
Inflatable costumes have become a common theme among Trump administration-related protests, particularly in Portland, Oregon. Present at the Oxford protest were an inflatable frog, a unicorn and a penguin.
One protester wore an inflatable frog costume, which has become a symbol of resistance in protests across the nation.
By the time the protest was scheduled to start, the crowd had grown to more than 100 people, and it grew larger as people continued to show up, reaching more than 200 people at its peak. Many of the attendees were older residents of the Oxford community, but professors, students and even multiple city council candidates were present as well.
Ann Fuehrer, the consulting director for Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice (OCPJ), helped organize the event. She said she was inspired to do so because many of her friends in other areas across the country were the leaders behind similar events. Additionally, OCPJ has organized protests and rallies since 1979, including the “No Kings Day” protest this past June.
Fuehrer was not only an organizing member but also an enthusiastic participant. She distributed signs to protesters who did not have their own and handed out informational pamphlets about appropriate behavior for peaceful protests.
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“The ways that I typically think of participating in decision making have been corrupted, perverted [and] taken away, and my representatives are not representing me,” Fuehrer said.
She cited the “3.5% rule,” which refers to the idea that if 3.5% of a population mobilizes, it can force change on its government. The rule is not necessarily an exact science, but it’s based on a sample of historical movements.
Abby Meister, a junior psychology major, and Sophia Balazzi, a junior social work major, both attended the event. They said participating in the protest was important to them, particularly as humanities majors, since the humanities have been impacted by the Trump administration’s funding cuts. Both women said they were impressed by the turnout of the Oxford protest.
“Just walking up, we were like, ‘Wow, there's so many more people here than we were expecting,’” Balazzi said. “We were really happy about that.”
Cherie Day, a teacher for the Talawanda School District, said she attended the protest because she disliked the way the Trump administration has been passing legislation that violates the Constitution.
“I think that most Americans are really centrist,” Day said. “They may be center-left or center-right, and we need to come together on the things we agree on and take care of each other.”
The Young Democratic Socialists of America Miami chapter had multiple student members attend. Additionally, they took names and emails to distribute information on how to become more politically involved.
Elizabeth Mullenix, professor of theatre and former provost for Miami, said she attended the protest because she was worried about threats to democracy and free speech.
“Being civically engaged is a really important freedom that we have,” Mullenix said. “Many people have died to allow us [to have it], so we need to preserve that.”
Hailey Schoenberger, a Hamilton local, said she wanted to protest because many of her friends migrated legally to the country, but are facing an increasingly hostile culture and environment.
“I just moved here from New York City; it’s felt really isolated in this rural bubble,” Schoenberger said. “It makes me so happy that so many people are here.”
A small band gathered near the pavilion in the park and sang “This Land Is Your Land,” encouraging other protesters to join in as well.
Many protesters joined the band in song.
Members of the Faculty Alliance of Miami were in attendance, although many of their numbers were dispersed across the area, attending protests in Hamilton and Cincinnati. The FAM members said they were motivated to attend to show support for higher education, which has come under fire during the Trump administration.
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