As organizers across the United States prepare for what could become one of the largest single-day protests in American history, communities on Massachusetts’ North Shore are mobilizing alongside a rapidly expanding national movement.
More than 3,000 No Kings events are now planned nationwide for March 28, with additional gatherings being added daily. The surge reflects mounting public engagement following earlier demonstrations that drew more than 5 million participants in June 2025 and more than 7 million in October 2025.
Organizers now anticipate that the March 28 mobilization could surpass those numbers, potentially becoming one of the largest coordinated non-violent protests in U.S. history, with an estimated 9 million people anticipated.
“Just months ago, millions of people took to the streets across thousands of events to say no to Trump’s abuses of power, and today that movement is only growing,” said Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible. “This No Kings will be the largest protest in American history… From every corner of this country, we are all saying: NO KINGS.”
In Marblehead, organizers have announced a demonstration scheduled for March 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Lafayette Street (Route 114) and Maple Street.
“Our town rejected King George 250 years ago, and we are doing it again now — no kings,” said Kate Borten of the Marblehead No Kings Day Committee. “We the people want a return to civility and lawful action based on our country’s founding principles.”
Borten emphasized both the goals and tone of the event, adding that organizers hope to build on the strong turnout from previous demonstrations.
“We had (700) to 800 people at the last No Kings event, and we’re hoping even more people will come out this time,” she said. “We hope people are frustrated and fed up enough to show up in even greater numbers here in Marblehead and across the country.”
She also underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful and safe environment for all participants.
“This is intended to be peaceful. We want to have big numbers and be very visible, but it is absolutely essential to be peaceful, and we want everyone to be safe,” Borten said. “We ask people to stay out of the streets, use crosswalks, and just be mindful of safety in a large crowd. And if there are hecklers, we should just ignore them.”
The Marblehead gathering is expected to draw participants from across the North Shore, including Swampscott and neighboring communities.
In Swampscott, organizers and participants are framing the protests as part of a sustained, long-term effort rather than a single day of action. The Swampscott protest will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Civil War Monument at 100 Humphrey St.
Local organizer Michael Paquette pointed to research showing that when roughly 3.5% of a population consistently engages in non-violent resistance, it can lead to significant political change.
“We want to get to that 3.5%,” Paquette said in a recent interview. “We’re coming closer to that, but we don’t have it consistently yet. This isn’t going anywhere — there’s more work to do.”
He described the movement as multi-generational, with older Americans focused on resisting current policies while younger generations may take on the work of rebuilding.
Peabody will also be holding a No Kings Protest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1 Lowell St. in Peabody Square.
National advocacy leaders say the March 28 demonstrations reflect a broad coalition united around democratic values, civil liberties, and economic concerns.
“On March 28, we will come together to show that our communities reject corruption, senseless war, and division,” said Katie Bethell, executive director of MoveOn Civic Action. “America does not belong to strongmen or those who rule through fear. It belongs to us, the people.”
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, highlighted economic anxieties driving participation.
“People are afraid, and they can’t afford basic necessities,” she said. “It’s time the administration listened and helped them build a better life rather than stoking hate and fear.”
Deirdre Schifeling of the American Civil Liberties Union pointed to the scale of the mobilization.
“This unprecedented mobilization is the American people saying no to attacks on our freedoms,” she said. “The best way to defend our freedoms is to act free.”
Labor leaders echoed similar concerns.
“Working people have had enough,” said Joseph Bryant of SEIU. “On March 28, we will take charge of our future and build a system that works for all of us.”
Civil rights advocates also stressed the broader stakes.
“In this country, we don’t do kings,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “Millions of us will take to the streets to declare that this country belongs to ‘we the people.’”
The No Kings movement has grown rapidly since its first national day of action, fueled by partnerships among major organizations including the ACLU, SEIU, MoveOn, the National Education Association, and others.
“An unprecedented assault on American democracy demands an unprecedented response from the American people,” said Mark Winston Griffith of Free Speech TV.
Organizers say the movement is also expanding beyond protests, with nationwide “Eyes on ICE” trainings aimed at helping communities understand their rights and safely monitor enforcement activity.
