OKLAHOMA CITY — Two grassroots advocacy groups will co-host a peaceful demonstration Saturday at Oklahoma City Hall, emphasizing civic unity and a defense of democratic principles.
The event, titled “No Kings OKC,” is organized by Indivisible Oklahoma and 50501OK. The march and rally are scheduled for Saturday, June 14, and are intended as a nonviolent call to action for community members who support democracy and social progress.
WHEN:
March begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 14
Rally 9:45 a.m. – noon
WHERE:
March – begins at OKC Blvd. & Hudson, ends at City Hall Park
Rally – City Hall Park (east side of City Hall)
Part of a nationwide day of rallies
The Oklahoma City rally is part of a nationwide day of peaceful mobilization called “No Kings,” which includes demonstrations in more than 2,000 cities and towns across the United States. The national movement seeks to defend democracy, reject authoritarian overreach, and advocate for community welfare.
“We have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and have taken careful steps to ensure a safe and organized event where attendees can make their voices heard,” the Oklahoma City organizers said in a joint statement.
Committed to nonviolence
Organizers have circulated a Joint Statement of Commitment to Nonviolence, asking all participants to adhere to guidelines promoting respectful and focused activism. They emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations, particularly with counter-protesters.
These are the guidelines organizers are asking participants to follow:
- Engage in nonviolent, respectful activism.
- Stay focused on our shared message and mission.
- Follow the guidance of designated event marshals and legal observers.
- Do not engage with counter-protesters. Notify an event organizer or a member of the security team if you see something worrisome.
- Remain calm and document any concerns if it feels safe to do so.
Purpose
The march is part of the co-hosting organizations’ broader efforts to foster civic participation and advocate for policies they say benefit the broader community. Indivisible Oklahoma and 50501OK describe themselves as grassroots groups focused on collective action to spur social change.
“We appreciate the support of those joining us and look forward to a peaceful and impactful event,” the statement read.
Nationally, the No Kings mobilization responds to concerns about what organizers call President Donald Trump’s increasing use of military force in American cities and federal proposals that could remove health care coverage from 16 million people while expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting immigrants and protesters.
“Two things remain true in this country: we have no kings, and no president can stop people from peacefully speaking out,” national organizers said in a statement.
Groups supporting the events
Groups supporting the national day of action include Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers, ACLU, Public Citizen, MoveOn, 50501, Stand Up America, Common Defense, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, and more than 100 others. A full list of partners is available at www.nokings.org/partners.
Polling released last week by Common Defense indicates that 70% of veterans oppose both the idea of a military parade and proposed staffing cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighting a disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and the views of many former service members.
As of Friday, no counter-demonstrations had been publicly announced.
The Oklahoma City Police Department has not released a formal statement about the event. However, organizers said they have coordinated with city officials to help ensure public safety during the demonstration.
The event is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to respect the event’s guidelines and help create an atmosphere of constructive civic engagement.
For more information about the demonstration or the co-hosting organizations, visit Indivisible Oklahoma or 50501OK online. For national details and media contacts, visit www.NoKings.org.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
