On Saturday, June 14, more than 1,500 New Orleanians are expected to fill the streets of the Marigny in a bold and satirical display of protest against Donald Trump’s $100 million military birthday parade taking place in Washington, D.C. The local demonstration, known as the NO KINGS Day Protest Parade, is part of a massive, coordinated nationwide movement rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of American democracy.
The protest comes in direct response to Trump’s planned spectacle in the nation’s capital—a taxpayer-funded event meant to celebrate his 79th birthday, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and Flag Day. Critics say the parade is less about national unity and more about personal glorification and political dominance. In sharp contrast, the NO KINGS Day movement aims to reclaim the day as one of civic defiance and community power.
Across the country, nearly 2,000 NO KINGS protest events are expected to take place on the same day, making it the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office. Rallies, parades, and community actions are scheduled in every U.S. state, including major cities like New York, Philadelphia, St. Paul, and Los Angeles. From veterans and military families to students, artists, and organizers, the movement has drawn a wide coalition of participants rejecting what they see as an increasingly autocratic political direction.
Here in Louisiana, ten cities are participating: New Orleans, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Covington, Leesville, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport. Each protest will reflect the unique culture and character of its local community, but all will be united by the shared message: No thrones. No crowns. No kings.
The New Orleans event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. at the open field on the 2400 block of Decatur Street, where participants will line up for a protest parade through the Marigny. The route will end at Washington Square Park (700 Elysian Fields Ave), where a rally will follow. As is customary in New Orleans, the demonstration will be both pointed and joyful—featuring local krewes, brass bands, street royalty, and speakers addressing the threats to democracy and the growing influence of wealth and militarism in public life.
Organizers of the national movement, hosted by the 50501 Project and Indivisible, emphasize that the action is entirely nonviolent and grounded in democratic values. No central protest is planned in Washington, D.C., because, as the organizers put it, “We don’t need to follow him. We need to outshine him—everywhere.” Protesters are being encouraged to bring signs, friends, and a willingness to stand up, not weapons or confrontation. Training toolkits, de-escalation guides, and event planning resources have been widely circulated through NoKings.org, which serves as the digital hub of the movement.
In New Orleans, the event is being led by Indivisible NOLA, the local chapter of the national grassroots network. The organization has been a longtime advocate for inclusive democracy and intersectional justice. They view this parade not just as a political action, but as a moment of civic celebration—where people from all walks of life can come together to reject tyranny, stand for accountability, and show what real patriotism looks like.
“We’re not just resisting,” said Beth Davis, one of the parade organizers. “We’re reimagining what democracy can be when it belongs to the people—not a king, not a billionaire, and not a bully with a tank parade.”
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Line-up Location: Mandeville and Decatur (2400 block)
- Parade Route: Through the Marigny
- Rally Location: Washington Square Park, 700 Elysian Fields Ave
- RSVP & Info: View the Mobilize page here
Full details, parade performers, and speaker announcements are expected later this week.
About Indivisible NOLA:
Indivisible NOLA is the New Orleans chapter of the National Indivisible Project, a volunteer-powered, non-partisan movement dedicated to protecting and expanding democracy through grassroots action. Learn more at indivisiblenola.org.
