Thousands Join “No Kings” Protest in Downtown Elmhurst

Protestors hold up signs at the Elmhurst “No Kings” rally outside of Elmhurst City Hall on Oct. 18. More than 2,500 attendees were at the event. (PC: Ian Murphy)

Thousands of protesters filled Downtown Elmhurst for a “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, a major surge from regular local protests.

For Grace Clear, a board

member of Progressives for Change, the turnout was a justification for the smaller, weekly “Protect Democracy Rally” she has helped organize outside City Hall every Saturday since February.

Clear’s mission with the Protect Democracy Rally is assisted by the nationwide No Kings protests, which stands against President Donald Trump’s administration by voicing concerns on ICE raids, federal cuts, health care, and threats to democracy. As millions gathered nationwide on Saturday, Elmhurst estimated 2,600 marchers.

Instead of turning a blind eye to the effects of the Trump administration’s actions, community members from all over DuPage County came to call out injustices.

Progressives for Change board member Maria Balice shared the importance of this turnout from a historical standpoint.

“DuPage County used to be very red, and it has definitely changed, and people understand that their friends, their neighbors, their family, are under attack right now, and they need to do something about it,” Balice said.

The crowd snaked around York and Second Street, filling the sidewalks with signs, music, passionate cheers, and supporting honks from passing cars.

Supporters of all ages held up signs reading “No Kings,” “ICE out,” “Hands off our Healthcare,” and “Are we great yet?”

Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change” played through a nearby speaker.

Clear reflected on the number of people who came out to support: “It just started with myself, and then the following week, there were a few more people, and then every succeeding week, there were more.”

This commitment wasn’t always there for Clear; she had only recently begun expressing her concerns and getting involved. When asked for advice, she offered a warning to Elmhurst University students: Do not follow her delayed action.

Protestors hold up signs at the Elmhurst “No Kings” rally outside of Elmhurst City Hall on Oct. 18. More than 2,500 attendees were at the event. (PC: Ian Murphy)

“I’m 75. During the first Trump presidency, that’s when I really got involved in politics,” said Clear. “So I would say to them, don’t wait that long to get involved. They need to get involved, know how their government runs, and just be aware.”

Clear warned EU students of the severe political division that has fueled No Kings protests.

“Division is not good for anybody. It brings out a lot of negative feelings,” said Clear. “But in terms of being involved on a college campus, it’s a good thing. So, I wouldn’t want to stifle anybody getting involved and to research the different sides.”

EU junior Abigail Komperda attended on Saturday to see the community come together.

“I felt inclined to go because I think protests are a way for the community to really come together and show each other what they believe in and educate each other,” Komperda said.

Expectations for the event weren’t clear, so when Komperda arrived, the number of protesters was shocking.

“There were a lot more people than I expected, and there was music playing and people in costumes. It was really fun,” said Komperda.

The Elmhurst No Kings protest won’t be the last Komperda attends.

“I would continue going to this one and the local protest, making better signs, putting them on a stick so I could lift them up higher,” Komperda said. “From young people to older people. I could cry, seeing the community between such different generations.”

Protestors display signs along York St. during the “No Kings” rally on Oct. 18. The event was the largest in a series of protests in Elmhurst organized by Progressives for Change. (PC: Ian Murphy)

Once 4:30 p.m. hit, the crowds quickly dispersed per the Progressives for Change order. The turnout was much more than Clear could have imagined.

“The emotion that I had today from going from one person to 2,600 was really strong,” said Clear. “I really appreciated everybody that came today, it brought me to tears.”

Clear wants to leave supporters with a final message: The work is far from over.

“I’d like to see more people coming out and not just doing this, but also doing other things, like postcarding and campaigning for a candidate to get involved,” said Clear. “Being involved is the important thing.”