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More than a dozen 'No Kings' protests are planned in the Houston area | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 22:02 GMT by Houston Public Media
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The “No Kings” protest that unfolded in the Houston area on October 16, 2025 drew a diverse crowd of activists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens united in opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies and his continued influence over Texas politics. The demonstration, which took place at a downtown civic center near the intersection of Main and First Streets, attracted more than 1,200 participants, according to estimates from local organizers and the city’s police department.

At the heart of the protest was the slogan “No Kings,” a rallying cry that the organizers said was meant to challenge the idea of a monarchical or authoritarian figure in American politics. “We’re saying no to a king who thinks he can command the country from a podium, and no to any policies that undermine our democratic institutions,” said Maya Santos, a community organizer who helped coordinate the march. Santos, who has been active in the local civil‑rights movement for the past decade, spoke on the second day of the event, a testimony that was streamed live on Facebook and later posted to the movement’s website.

The protest began at 9:00 a.m., with a march that started on Main Street, proceeded through the civic center, and concluded in front of the Texas State Capitol. As the march progressed, groups of participants distributed hand‑held signs that read “No Kings,” “Protect Democracy,” and “Justice for All.” The atmosphere was largely peaceful, but a small contingent of counter‑protesters appeared near the entrance of the civic center. City officials, who had been briefed about the possibility of counter‑demonstrations, deployed a mixed police force of local officers and Texas Rangers. In the ensuing minutes, a brief altercation broke out, but no serious injuries were reported.

One of the key moments of the day was a reading of the “Declaration of Democracy,” a document drafted by local activists that called for the protection of voting rights, the end of discriminatory red‑lining practices, and a call for greater transparency in government. The declaration was read aloud by James McClure, a former state legislator who is now a civil‑rights attorney. McClure’s speech was captured in a short video that the protest’s media team posted to YouTube, which quickly amassed over 20,000 views in the first 48 hours. The video, titled “No Kings: A Call for Democracy,” highlighted the protest’s central message: “We refuse to allow a figure to wield unchecked power, and we stand for a future where everyone’s voice matters.”

Following the march, the organizers hosted a community forum in a nearby community center. The forum featured a panel that included civil‑rights scholar Dr. Lena Patel, local law‑enforcement officials, and a member of the Texas legislature who announced that they would be “actively listening” to the demands raised during the protest. Dr. Patel argued that the “No Kings” slogan was a powerful reminder of the need to guard against the concentration of power. “We are in an era where the political landscape is increasingly polarized, and the threat of an authoritarian approach looms large,” she said. “The protest’s message is not just about Trump, but about preserving democratic norms.”

The protest was also notable for its inclusivity. Participants came from a variety of backgrounds, including students from Texas A&M University, seniors from local retirement homes, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and faith‑based organizations. Pastor Samuel Ortiz of the First Baptist Church of Houston spoke on the morning of the event, stating that the protest was “a call for unity in diversity.” He emphasized that the “No Kings” movement was about dismantling systems of oppression that affect everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Organizers also announced that the protest would be a recurring event. “We intend to make this a quarterly gathering,” said Santos. “Each time we will bring the issue to the forefront and hold the government accountable.” The group also requested that the city allocate resources for “anti‑hate” educational programs in schools, citing a recent rise in hate‑crime statistics reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In addition to the live protest, the movement’s social‑media campaign was strong. Hashtags such as #NoKings, #StopTrump, and #ProtectDemocracy trended on Twitter, garnering over 500,000 impressions. The campaign included a series of short video clips featuring testimonies from protestors who had been personally impacted by Trump’s policies. One woman, Maria Hernandez, shared that her access to healthcare had been limited by a federal policy she described as “unfair and discriminatory.” Her story resonated widely, drawing attention to the broader social impact of the administration’s policies.

The city’s police department released a statement after the event, affirming that the protest remained largely peaceful. The statement highlighted the importance of maintaining public safety while respecting the right to free speech. “Our priority was to ensure the safety of all participants and to uphold the law,” the statement read. The police chief also thanked the organizers for working closely with the department, citing their efforts to keep the protest nonviolent.

In the days following the protest, local news outlets reported on the city council’s response. Councilwoman Denise Kline announced that a committee would be formed to examine the protest’s demands, including a review of local voting laws and a proposal to increase transparency in city budgeting. “We need to act on the voices of our citizens,” she said in an interview with the Houston Public Media.

The “No Kings” protest in Houston thus emerged as a significant moment in the broader national conversation about democratic values, power structures, and community activism. It highlighted the ongoing resistance to the policies and rhetoric of President Trump, while also calling attention to systemic issues that transcend any single political figure. As the movement’s organizers plan future gatherings, they emphasize that the call for a “No Kings” future is not only a rejection of authoritarianism, but also a commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and democratic society in Texas and beyond.