Demonstrators attending Akron's No Kings protest gather at the intersection of Main and Market streets, near the John F. Seiberling Federal Building, on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)
For a few hours, the intersection of Main and Market streets in downtown Akron was overwhelmed on Saturday by a sea of protesters — their presence stretching nearly a block in every direction.
They arrived with T-shirts and posters that criticized President Donald Trump’s plans later in the day to host a military parade in Washington, D.C.
Organizers handed out U.S. flags and other paraphernalia.
“NO THRONES, NO CROWNS, NO KINGS.”
“Not a paid protestor. I hate Donald Trump for free.”
“We the people declare that we will not be ruled by ANY King!”
They shouted. They chanted. They waved at passing vehicles that transformed the area into a symphony of resistance, all a part of the nationwide No Kings protest movement.
Similar events took place in Cuyahoga Falls, Kent, Cleveland and other U.S. cities.
While the protest did not represent all of Akron and Summit County’s political beliefs, it showcased the latest national effort against Trump’s administration.
“We’re here to send a message that America doesn’t do kings,” said Noelle Bowman, the lead organizer with Indivisible’s Akron chapter.
Bowman estimated that about 3,000 people participated in Akron, a turnout spurred by the coordination between Indivisible, Akron Democracy Defenders and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Bowman said while the organizations may not always agree, they often align on resisting the second Trump administration.
Cuyahoga Falls resident Elizabeth Hull waves an American flag during Akron’s No Kings protest on June 14, 2025. “I think it’s important for people to stand up and be brave, because now is the time,” Hull said. “This country is worth fighting for — in a peaceful way.” (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)Akron resident Nick Penman attends the Akron No Kings protest on June 14, 2025.”‘I feel like it’s important that there’s a bunch of people out here showing that there’s opposition to this authoritarian regime,” he said. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)A demonstrator holds a sign at the No Kings protest in Akron on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)Hundreds hold signs and wave U.S. flags during a No Kings protest in downtown Akron on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)
A demonstrator holds a sign above her head stating “‘No Kings in America Since 1776” during Akron’s No Kings protest on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)Vehicles drive on North Main Street near the John. F. Seiberling Federal Building as hundreds of demonstrators participate in the No Kings protest in downtown Akron on June 14, 2015. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)
No Kings protest in Kent
Participants at the No Kings protest in Kent gather along West Main Street to speak out against President Donald Trump on June 14, 2025.Kent resident Ken Kelling attends Kent’s No Kings protest on June 14, 2025. “Unfortunately, it’s great that we can do this, but I don’t think anything really is going to change,” Kelling said, “‘”which is really, really, really sad.” (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)A demonstrator at Kent’s No Kings protest carries a sign stating “Honk for Democracy” during the event on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)A vehicle drives through the intersection at South Water and West Main streets as passengers hold signs out of windows during Kent’s No Kings protest on June 14, 2025. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)Kent State alumni Nathan Fuller takes part in Kent’s No Kings protest on June 14, 2025. “I’m tired of being quiet,” Fuller said. (Matthew Brown / Signal Akron)
Former Education Reporter
Andrew is a native son of Northeast Ohio who previously worked at the Akron Beacon Journal, News 5 Cleveland, and the Columbus Dispatch before leaving to work in national news with the Investigative Unit at Fox News. He is a graduate of Kent State University.
