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Promoting civic action: Hundreds join ‘No Kings’ protest in Marietta

By Gwen Sour 3 min read

Demonstrators filled Muskingum Park on Saturday afternoon for the "No Kings" protest, a grassroots rally urging residents to defend democracy, uphold constitutional rights and encourage civic participation ahead of the November election.

Organizers, who estimated 1,000 people at the demonstration, opened the event with safety reminders and "Know Your Rights" materials provided by the American Civil Liberties Union, emphasizing peaceful protest and de-escalation.

"If there's someone trying to agitate you, just ignore them," Lisa Bammerlin, Indivisible MOV Action Team co-leader, said. "We are a country of people, not things, not boundaries. We are a country of rights, and we are a country of law."

Marley Umensetter, one of the first speakers, identified herself as a "socially awkward introvert" who overcame fear of public speaking to advocate for civic engagement.

"When Trump took office, I started becoming active in local activism groups," she said. "I didn't see very many people my age or younger, and that has to change."

She urged young people to vote, attend meetings and to become active.

"Use your voice, if not for yourself, then for the people who do not have the privilege to do theirs," she said.

In a statement read on behalf of local activist Eric Engle, he described the event as a stand against "the consolidation of power and the dismantling of checks on executive authority." His message referenced threats to democratic norms, federal employee protections, and personal freedoms.

Marietta Councilwoman Erin O'Neill later addressed the crowd, calling local elections "the front line" of democracy.

"When you vote locally, your voice is immediate and meaningful," O'Neill said. "If we care about protecting our rights and our freedoms, we have a duty to show up."

O'Neill also invited attendees to join her for a neighborhood walk to encourage voter turnout. "Early voting is happening now," she said. "Let's not reach for change - let's make it."

The protest blended speeches with music, including group renditions of This Land Is Your Land led by local musician Sherm Koons, who reminded participants to "blow some bubbles, put on an inflatable costume, and remember that we're on the right side of history."

Kelly Johnson, another speaker, shared how she overcame hesitation to participate in protests.

"I used to think nothing I did could matter," Johnson said. "But every small act - every vote, every meeting, every call - that's what bends the moral arc toward justice."

Veteran Brian Hayden closed the rally with remarks connecting his military service to his continued defense of democratic ideals.

"My enlistment ended, but my obligation never expired," he said. "I have learned that the greatness of America is the right to protest for our rights."

Hayden invoked civil rights movements and labor struggles from Selma to Stonewall as proof that collective action can secure progress.

"When we unite our voices and our actions," he said, "we shall overcome."

The event concluded with chants of "No kings, no tyrants, no billionaire class," and a call to action for all ages.

"Democracy is not a spectator sport," Bammerlin said as the crowd prepared to march toward the Putnam Street Bridge.

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