​‘No Kings’ protests planned in North Dakota on June 14

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

alicia@hpr1.com

North Dakota communities will join a “nationwide day of defiance” against authoritarianism and President Donald Trump’s policies on Saturday, June 14. A range of "No Kings" events (including rallies, protests, theatrical performances and food drives) are planned in Bismarck, Fargo, Bottineau, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot and Williston.

These national days of action are scheduled by a coalition of pro-democracy groups across the country. This same coalition also coordinated the “Hands Off!” and May Day protests earlier this year. But the community events themselves are planned and organized by local volunteers and organizations.

“On June 14 — Flag Day — President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength,” reads a statement on the No Kings website. “But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else. No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

Commitment to nonviolent action is a cornerstone of "No Kings" events. National and local organizations ask participants to de-escalate any potential confrontation.

Events are planned in every state in the country. Details on North Dakota protests and rallies are found below. For additional information on events both inside and outside North Dakota, visit nokings.org/.

Bismarck

Bismarck State Capitol Grounds, N. Sixth Street and E. Boulevard Avenue

Noon-3 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to contribute to the Ministry on the Margins’ food and hygiene drive, which occurs during the rally. Non-perishable food (especially peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken and powdered milk) are requested, along with personal care items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, tooth brushes and razors.

The event meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The ground is mostly flat and there are no steps or stairs.

Bottineau

Bottineau County Courthouse, 315 Fifth Street W.

1 p.m.

This event is recently added. Check back for more details as they become available.

Devils Lake

Lake Region Heritage Center, 502 Fourth Street N.E.

10 a.m. - Noon

Residents are invited to join their neighbors for a visibility event. As with other North Dakota "No Kings" events, this one is organized by local community members and volunteers.

Dickinson

Prairie Hills Mall, Third Avenue W. and Hwy 22

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This visibility event will be held near the east entrance to the Prairie Hills Mall. Please note that Dickinson is located within the Mountain Time Zone.

Fargo

Green space near City Hall, 225 Fourth Street N.

1-3 p.m.

The Red River Valley League of Women Voters will hand out flags to honor Flag Day. A short theatrical performance about Trump and his policies will be performed at 1 p.m. in front of City Hall. A rally with speakers will follow at 2 p.m. 

Attendees who want to exercise their right to peacefully assemble are encouraged to bring signs and line up along Second Street N. Participants are reminded to line up single file and not to block traffic or impede pedestrians on the sidewalks. 

Grand Forks

Town Square Grand Forks, 1 S. Third Street 

1:30-3:30 p.m.

“Your invite to declare that you have no king," reads the rally's Facebook invite. "Bring a sign, bring a friend, bring your love for democracy.” 

Organizers ask participants to allow farmer's market guests to leave before parking, if they're not attending both events.

Jamestown

10-11 a.m.

This is a visibility event. Event location is available upon registration at nokings.org.

Minot

Minot City Hall, 10 Third Avenue S.W.

1-3 p.m.

The rally is supported by ACLU of North Dakota, North Dakota Democratic-NPL, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Plum Valley Members of The League of Women Voters North Dakota, Strength in Diversity, Minot NDHRC Chapter and Minot Woman's Network. This event meets ADA standards.

Williston

Harmon Park, 1215 Main Street

1-3 p.m.

This rally is organized by local volunteers. The event meets ADA standards and will be held on flat ground with no steps. Accessible bathrooms are available.