This past Saturday, March 28th, thousands of protestors from across Utah gathered on the streets as part of the third “No Kings” protest–a series of political rallies against President Trump and his policies. The protest, which began at Washington Square and ended at the State Capitol, attracted around 10,000-15,000 participants, making it the largest protest in Utah history. The demonstrators in Salt Lake City were just a small fraction of the 8 million demonstrators nationwide who participated in this single-day protest.

Activists were seen chanting “this is what democracy looks like,” and holding signs calling for an end to the Iran War and criticizing the federal government’s plan to convert a SLC warehouse into an ICE detention center. Samantha Reagan, an organizer behind the demonstration and member of the student group Mecha de U of U, told Utah News Dispatch that “[Utahns] must fight for a future where the needs of working class people are put before racist deportation campaigns and endless wars.” 

The rally commenced in the wake of a tragedy at last June’s SLC “No Kings” protest, where peaceful protester Arthur Ah Loo was shot dead by an armed volunteer. In this most recent rally, however, not a single protester was injured or killed. The Salt Lake City Police Department started preparing for the event nearly a month in advance, and they succeeded in maintaining a “peaceful protest” (KUTV). Jamie Carter–a spokesperson affiliated with the Salt Lake Indivisible and DemCast USA and one of the central organizers for the ‘No Kings’ event–also helped make a safe environment for participants by tightening security more than previous protests. Carter also ensured that all armed volunteers underwent de-escalation training from the ACLU of Utah in order to handle tensions more cautiously.

From 15-year-old Remy Hoiland to 74-year-old David Jones, this past “No Kings” march brought Utahns from all different demographics together in a noble and peaceful campaign for democracy. Remy, a freshman at Timpview High School, said he felt such an “awesome vibe” in the crowd, saying, “It was so cool to see everyone come together to express their beliefs and fight for them.” David Jones, a Salt Lake City resident, agreed, saying he hasn’t felt such large crowd support since he “protested against Vietnam as a kid.” Jones was one of the many seniors who attended the demonstration. Even though he is no longer working, Jones believes that all people his age should express their political beliefs and inspire younger generations to do the same. “We may be out of the work market, but we’re not out of the political market.”

Like Jones, many of the protestors in attendance hoped to inspire others to speak out instead of staying idle. Carol Dunford Jackman, a 92-year-old Provo native at the protest, recalls as a child when she listened in shock at the Nazis’ march on Paris. “Back then I was just a kid, I couldn’t do anything but sit there. And it scares me so much because I feel like history is repeating itself as we speak.” While Jackman was helpless as a child, today she actively campaigns for a more democratic and just country for her children and grandchildren. “I can’t do much, but I can make sure people are well aware of the tyrant that is plaguing our country.” 

Our voices, no matter how small, are like fireworks—bright, powerful, and capable of rousing those who might otherwise sleep through injustice. As Edmund Burke famously noted, the triumph of evil requires only that good people do nothing. On the streets of Salt Lake City this past Saturday, thousands of Utahns proved they are no longer willing to acquiesce. Their collective shout was a step forward for the state, and a reminder that our ability to communicate is exactly what keeps us human.