Modesto participates in nationwide “No Kings” protest

A nationwide “No Kings” protest reached Modesto, where over 2,000 people gathered at Gracaeda park and marched down to 5 Points on McHenry. The protest opposes the Trump Administration and political corruption in the United States.

Protestors met at Graceada park beforehand, where they listened to politician Michael Masuda and a high-school student guest speaker Moses Abeyta rally up and encourage protestors.

“Our rage fuels our resistance, but our love for America fuels our hope,” Masuda said.

Masuda stood on stage and spoke to the crowd, urging them to stand up for their community and to vote Tom McClintock out of congress.

“I want every one of you to think of how you felt [on] November 29, 2024. The disbelief you must have felt…the dark days we were about to enter in America,” he said. “Stand up for your country! Stand up for those people who cannot, for those who do not have a voice in our democracy. Stand up for them and join me, and let’s get rid of Tom McClintock.”

As protestors marched from the park to 5 Points they yelled chants such as, “No crowns, no clowns,” and “Donald Trump you can’t hide, we know you’re a pedophile.”

Moses Abeyta (senior, Thomas Downey High School) said that he’s a part of several organizations and likes to support his friends and family.

“Majority of people are out here because they’re fighting for their rights, even if it’s not their individual rights, it’s their friends, their families, their loved ones’ rights, they’re out here to support them,” Abeyta said.

He expressed his thoughts on the Trump administration and the efforts to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE), which would block millions of Americans from their right to vote.

“Trump is disgraceful, he is horrible, and he is horrific for the American people. Another day with him in office is another day we go backwards,” he said.

The bill would block married women who have changed their last name after marriage from voting, as their last names would not match their birth certificates.

“This is not an attempt at protecting and having accurate voting numbers. This is to strip women of their rights of voting. Any person that wants to reduce the rights of others, is almost less human than you and I,” he said.

Abeyta urges people to stay strong during these times and to stay with their families and to reach out to organizations for resources.

“It’s a hard time right now, but it will get better. Please just hold out. Stay with your families, stay with those who love you,” he said.

Contributors to this article: Kaihli Miner-Hill & Fernando Delgado