By Valorie Troesch*Hundreds of participants in the October 18, 2025, "No Kings 2.0" rally and march line the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton, Mich. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)On October 18, 2025, some 850 people gathered on a warm sunny autumn day in the Copper Country of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to celebrate the absence of kings in America and to affirm the principles of the United States Constitution.
Nationally and across the world, over 7 million people attended more than 2,700 "No Kings" events. Their message was this: "America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people."
"No Kings 2.0" was organized by Indivisible nationally and by Keweenaw Indivisible locally in the Copper Country. Keweenaw Indivisible is a grassroots social movement fighting for progressive values. It is committed to building community and taking tangible action to support our families, friends, and neighbors.
When I arrived home after the event, my husband, who had been livestreaming the march across the Portage Lift Bridge via the Michigan Tech Webcam, announced that he’d never seen so many people on the bridge at one time. Watching hundreds of people amass on the bridge was indeed impressive. Being there in person was to witness and to participate in acts of both resistance and hope.
People gathered at Bridgeview Park in Houghton at Noon on Saturday, Oct. 18. They were welcomed by a member of the Keweenaw Indivisible leadership team, Rich Canevez, assistant professor of Communication, Culture, and Media in the Humanities Department at Michigan Tech. He led the crowd in loud shouts of "No Kings!" intended to be heard as far away as Calumet and reported to be heard at least across the canal at Takka Saunas in Hancock. Mariah Durham -- a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and former Michigan Tech women’s basketball coach, now teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health, next fired up the crowd with a series of chants apropos of the "No Kings" message.
Sandy Vaupel was the first speaker. Sandy is an active member of Keweenaw Indivisible. She volunteered to speak at the No Kings event because, in spite of her reluctance to publicly address a crowd, she believed she had a relevant message to share.
Sandy began her talk with this: "I’m here because of something Jack Bergman said. He has a problem with protesters because, he says, we only say what we are against, not what we are for. So, I made a list of things I am for, things about America we need to preserve and protect."
And then Sandy realized she was onto something: "In the run up to No Kings 2, I realized that my little essay really fit into the desired message for the event -- a mainly positive message -- so I volunteered to speak. Though no more eager than anyone to speak to an audience, I knew I had to serve the message and that it would give me strength."
Sandy Vaupel of Keweenaw Indivisible speaks about things in America she is for preserving and protecting. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)Sandy’s message was exactly what we all needed to hear as we started our No Kings event because it encapsulated the essence of why we were there and what we value about our country. Some of the things Sandy said we must preserve and protect are an executive government that is constrained by a robust system of checks and balances, due process, the right of people to peaceably assemble, human dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, the right to organize, the planet, the underdog (the people of Ukraine and Gaza today), and bipartisanship.
The second speaker was Kiko Silvelet, who was born in São Paulo, Brazil. He came to the US at the age of 15 and later studied engineering at Michigan Tech. Kiko became a U.S. citizen and now works as a research engineer at Michigan Tech in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is also an active volunteer with the Copper Dog 150.
Kiko covered a lot of ground in his speech. He began by saying that he was conflicted about speaking at the march. He was concerned about the potential for violence in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing and, because he has friends "across the board," he didn’t want to risk those friendships. He also warned that what he would say might be controversial.
Kiko Silvelet addresses the crowd gathered at the "No Kings 2.0" rally on Oct. 18. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible) Kiko said that he judges everything through his "Brazilian filter" -- how would he feel if this were happening in Brazil, how would he act and what does it really mean? He said that the real problem in America is not left versus right but rather class disparity. He admonished us that we cannot complain about corporations funding politicians when we continue to buy their stuff or invest in their stock -- something he does not say we should abandon but must be aware of. Quoting the Industrial Workers of the World, Kiko called for a nationwide general strike of workers, direct action that would "break the legs" of the oligarchs.
Kiko’s closing point was one of hope and optimism. He said that he no longer reads or listens to the news. In his words, "this is just a storm, and spring will come." He noted the United States is young and current events are just part of the process. He said, "the day that everyone agrees is the day that no one is thinking." Kiko asked everyone to think about the meaning of No Kings and advised us to mingle and to make friends with people we don’t agree with. And he advised us to push gently because pushing hard will create even harder pushback. His final words were these: "To resist despair is what it is to be truly free."
Pastor Bucky Beach was the third and final speaker. Bucky is well known to us as the chaplain at Finlandia University (formerly Suomi College), the pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and faculty at Michigan Tech. He is retired but remains engaged in the faith community. Bucky began by recounting the phrase he typed repeatedly when he was learning to type: "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their land." Now is that time, he said, to come to the aid of our land and all lands in this world.
Pastor Bucky Beach calls for unity, moral debate and local action to protect our shared world. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible) Bucky referenced the recent People of the Heart Water Walk -- a 3-day event including both Native and non-Native participants, led by Indigenous leaders and concluding on Indigenous Peoples' Day -- as a symbolic connection. "Connection" is never guaranteed and is what brought everyone together on No Kings Day.
"We come from many places but our action begins right here in the Copper Country," Bucky said. "We are united in standing up to protect our world, we are united in standing up to protect those we care about and love, especially those who are vulnerable, but even advocating for the rights and protection of those with whom we disagree. Like it or not, we hold all of this together, and that is a sacred covenant that we share."
Bucky spoke about democracy and the proclamation that it is self-evident as ideas that become manifest only if we are committed to making those ideas a reality in the political, social, economic, and religious institutions that we create.
"If we are going to talk about religion and politics in the public square, we need to have a real moral debate and conversation about religious and political and policy violence being contrary to American and religious values," Bucky stated. "We’ve got work to do."
That work includes not only showing up for No Kings Day, but listening to each other and being humble enough to recognize our common humanity -- and learning to be a neighbor to someone we might not agree with, he explained.
Hundreds of local residents and visitors gather at Bridgeview Park in Houghton for the "No Kings 2.0" event on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)By all accounts, 850 plus people is a record turnout for any protest in the Copper Country. Why did they come?
Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, along with their national League of Women Voters organization, joined "No Kings 2.0" as an official non-partisan partner to stand in solidarity with partners and oppose hate and authoritarianism.
According to Mary Marchaterre, treasurer of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, "The League has consistently and boldly spoken up in the face of rising authoritarianism."
Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country display their posters during the Oct. 18 "No Kings 2.0" rally in Houghton. Pictured here, from left, are Fredi deYampert, Kristina Owen, Barry Fink, Vicky Bergvall, Mary Marchaterre, and David Nitz. (Photo courtesy Mary Marchaterre)
The common cause -- that America has no kings and will not tolerate authoritarianism -- was shared by everyone I spoke with.
"I had to be at the No Kings walk because so many of our democracy safeguards are being removed," said Ruth Gleckler, retired military and community volunteer. "It was a beautiful day to walk across the bridge and be with people who care about our country enough to be there."
Amy Weekley, a member of Keweenaw Indivisible, said: "I attended the No Kings demonstration because I am appalled by this administration’s complete disregard for the rule of law and for our Constitution. I, like many Americans, am desperate for a return to checks and balances rather than hyper-partisan pandering….As a country, we are better than this. We need to care about each other. We need to help each other. None of us is free until all of us are free."
Amy Hjerstedt attended with her 13-year-old son (and their dog). She explained their reason for being here: "The No Kings rally’s message is something most Americans can get behind. Harkening back to our collective power to resist rule by one powerful person, I could feel our local people attempt to stand together to push back in a joyful, artistic assemblage."
Carol MacLennan, professor emeritus of Anthropology at Michigan Tech, was in Marquette and initially planned to join the rally there, but she instead drove back to Houghton on Saturday morning in order to be with people she knew.
"I believe that these nation-wide marches are one of the best ways to express an opinion on the current state of our nation," Carol said. "I found myself inspired again to do the work it takes to keep democracy intact: pay attention, do what I can to help out on local initiatives, talk with others who think differently, explore new strategies and possibilities for effective vigilance with friends."
Craig Waddell, emeritus professor of Rhetoric at Michigan Tech, provided some basic history against the backdrop of the No Kings Day march: "The 'No Kings' principle goes back to the founding of our country and the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution, including Articles I and II, which separate the powers of Congress and the president. As James Madison -- our fourth president and the principal author of our Constitution -- wrote, 'The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands . . . may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.'" (The Federalist Papers, No. 47, 1788).
Craig explained the current context of what happens when the nation -- supported by a United States Supreme Court decision -- rejects the separation of powers in favor of a unitary all-powerful executive: "This is why, in her dissenting opinion on the Supreme Court’s July 1, 2024, 6-3 vote on Trump v. United States (on presidential immunity from criminal prosecution), Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, 'The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the country, and possibly the world. When he uses his official powers in any way, under the [Court majority’s] reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution. . . . The relationship between the President and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law.'"
In addition to resisting authoritarianism and supporting democracy, attendees also said that it was important to be among other people in an atmosphere of unity, joy, and hope.
Again from Amy Weekley: "The demonstration was such a lovely display of unity, joy, and hope. It was so nice to be there with hundreds of other people who want for us to be better as a country, and the honks and thumbs up from so many passing cars were really uplifting. It made me feel less alone."
Steve Blackburn, communications vice-chair for the local Houghton County Democratic Party, said this of his experience: "As a first timer at one of these rallies, it reminded me of the enthusiasm and energy I saw for Kamala and Tim at the rallies they held last fall. Not only enthusiasm but more importantly joy. People were in good spirits and peaceful. There were large American flags being carried about, and I saw many patriotic slogans on signs among the crowd. I don’t know where Speaker Johnson got his information from about who would show up for these rallies, but he clearly did not know what he was talking about. I spent my time on the bridge smiling and waving enthusiastically at every passing car, and I did my best to catch the eye of the drivers and passengers. MANY gave thumbs up and smiled or waved back. A few tried their darndest to ignore me. One young man gave me the bird. I consider that to be my 'informal survey' of the support of the rally, and I have to say it was very positive."
Commenting after the event, Sandy Vaupel said, "As far as how I felt, I am always amazed at how emotional I get when at an event, and that emotion is mainly awe. It was a privilege to share a stage (of sorts) with the two inspirational speakers there. I am in awe of, and grateful to, those who sacrifice so much to organize these events. I really appreciate all the people who gave up a big part of their Saturday to participate, and even those who bother to honk their horns in support. It feels like family, only bigger and better."
Displaying their signs and flags to oncoming traffic, participants in the "No Kings 2.0" march line the Portage Lift Bridge in a peaceful demonstration. (Photo © and courtesy Tiff DeGroot)What’s next after this second No Kings March? What do attendees expect and what do they want to happen now?
Steve Blackburn made this local observation: "Even in a county like ours that turned out for Trump last November, the dissatisfaction with his administration is very palpable."
Amy Weekley added, "I hope that as we move forward, we can turn this momentum into action and change. Our numbers grow at each of these events, and we are all hungry for an action plan to effect change. We need to keep pushing forward!"
Amy Hjerstedt endorsed an action advocated by Kiko Silvelet: "One of the speakers explained how our real resistance will be felt when we use our purchasing power. Trump and politicians will pay attention to our demands when we band together to stop buying and working on the same day(s). While rallies are fun for us and they bring a little awareness for the day, the resistance is felt when we stop supporting businesses that support the status quo, stop using social media, and stop participating in the economy that currently does not care about our democracy or quality of life. After the speaker, my thirteen-year-old son, who also attended the No Kings rally with me, and I talked about what more we can do that can make an impact. We don’t use social media (I stopped when Zuckerberg gave money to the Trump Inauguration) and I refuse to shop on Amazon for family purchases. But what is one more way we can help push back? We are hopeful the people at the rally will continue to lead and coordinate the joyful group of local people to do what the speaker recommended and ask all to stop working and shopping. Imagine if we all did that for a day or a week. Our politicians would take notice and our resistance would be felt."
Some concluding thoughts.
First, many thanks to Keweenaw Indivisible for organizing this event and for making it safe for all those who came to publicly proclaim that there are no kings in America. This is no small thing, given the advance threats that violence would be not just possible but probable. The day was peaceful, surprisingly peaceful in that there were no big trucks bearing Trump flags, honking to drown out speakers, and spewing black exhaust at the crowds. Thanks also to everyone who was willing to share their thoughts with me and to be quoted. That, too, is an act of resistance and courage.
Second, we expected more people to No Kings Day 2 than came to No Kings Day 1 in June. And come they did. Estimates are about 850. The people who were "counting" attendance by giving out candy went home with none of the 1000 pieces of candy they had to distribute. We are told that people are not paying attention, that they are uninformed and unaware of what is going on and do not care. I don’t think that is true. The fact is that our friends and neighbors who were not at the No Kings Day have lives to lead, bills to pay, families to tend to, jobs they must go to even on a Saturday. But as they were out and about, driving across the bridge, those friends and neighbors -- hundreds of them -- honked, cheered, smiled, gave thumbs up, and expressed their support. And those are only the ones who happened to be on the bridge. There are thousands of others. Support is out there. And it is growing. I read somewhere after the No Kings Day event that the march itself was not the point; the march was the recruitment drive. Let’s hope that is true.
What is next? On the occasions that I’ve had to speak, my message has been consistent. It is unchanged today: we must continue to show up, to speak up, to vote, and to not give up.
*Editor's Note: Guest author Valorie Troesch is a retired attorney and resident of Torch Lake Township. Keweenaw Now wishes to express our appreciation for Valorie's volunteering to cover the No Kings 2.0 event and report on it here.
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