Amherst Turns Out For No Kings Dance Party

On Saturday, June 14, more than 1,200 people convened at Kendrick Park, joining millions nationwide to protest what organizers and attendees called the unlawful and immoral actions of the Trump administration. The demonstration, known as No Kings Day, was one of thousands held across all 50 states, coordinated by a coalition of over 200 progressive groups, including Indivisible and 50501. Turnout nationwide was estimated to be between 4-6 million people or 1.2 -1.8% of the American population.

Unlike traditional protests, the Amherst event was structured as a dance party – billed as an inclusive, joyful act of defiance where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds could come together in celebration, solidarity and shared purpose. Music filled Kendrick Park in downtown Amherst as hundreds of attendees danced, laughed, and held signs, turning political dissent into a community-wide affirmation of shared values. 

Amherst’s event was spearheaded by Grover Wehman-Brown, a local strategy and communications consultant, and Melissa Giraud, co-founder and co-director of EmbraceRace. The two residents said they felt compelled to act in the face of the administration’s attacks on democratic institutions and vulnerable communities. 

“This is a collection of communities that refuse to cave under the pressure of this administration,” said Miles Treichel, 24, a recent UMass Amherst graduate in public policy. “When you gather locally, you’re able to see that you can take concrete action to keep the people in your community safe.”

Signs, speeches, and spontaneous dance circles made Kendrick Park feel more like a festival than a protest, but the seriousness of the message was clear. Families, students, retirees, and activists stood together in display of public resistance. 

“We are all from somewhere else,” said Jenny Arch, a librarian who moved to the area in 2020 after attending Hampshire College. “We need everybody who is here to be here and to feel safe.”

For many, the protest was personal. Mary Cornell, a local resident, said she has only recently become politically active but could no longer stay silent. 

“My sister-in-law is a naturalized citizen living in Chicago who’s afraid to leave her house because she is scared of being snatched off the street,” Cornell said. “This administration has been humiliating and terrorizing people unnecessarily. I expect more from my country.”

That sentiment echoed throughout the crowd. Jen, an attendee who asked to remain partially anonymous, looked around the park. “Things are so bad it just doesn’t feel right to sit home and be quiet about it. It is just so awesome to see all these people. It’s heartwarming.” She added, “The music, the kids and the dogs – if any counter protesters wanted to show up and start trouble, they’d stand out.”

Abigail Bowen, a rising junior at Amherst College, said that participating gave her strength amid what feels like digital chaos. 

“Standing up for what you believe in, organizing and mobilizing with others, even if we don’t have the same ideology, the fact that we can unite against these forces is empowering,” Bowen said. 

Among the protest’s many calls to action was the belief that silence and inaction are no longer options, regardless of political party.

“Following the law is not about political beliefs,” said Lenny Friedlander, said he believes impeachment is overdue. “The law is for everyone.”

Andrew Grant-Thomas, a 13 year resident of Amherst, emphasized the need for public resistance in these times where institutional checks have failed.

“There’s been a lot of talk and dismay around the lack of resistance,” he said. “This is clearly an occasion where 1,800 cities are giving voice to their concern.”

The event resonated with those feeling politically disconnected in recent years. “Especially the way society is set up, a lot of people feel isolated and distanced,” Treichel said. “This sends the message that this won’t just be an isolated incident.”

Rio Grant-Giraud, a rising senior at Amherst Regional High School, underscored the larger stakes. “We need unity more than ever,” she said. “And the rest of the world needs to know there are a lot of people here who are being affected and who don’t support what’s going on. To make a difference against this administration everyone needs to work together.”