No Kings, Just People: Fairbanks Protests Trump
Story by Amber McCain Photos by David McCain
Peace and protests is the vibe.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered across Fairbanks from Wilbur Street to Peger Road to peacefully protest government leadership amid Alaska’s first-ever heat advisory, with temps expected to hit up to 85 degrees, marking the city’s participation in the nationwide “No Kings Day” movement. There were approximately 2,000 protest locations across the U.S., according to the No Kings organization.
From 10 a.m. to noon, sidewalks came alive with signs, chants, and solidarity as people of all ages waved flags, danced and drew colorful chalk messages like “love is love” and “Stop ICE.” Those unable to be outside taped signs to their cars, including messages such as, “At 105, I will not stay silent,” and “I’m 90 and mad as hell.” Cars honked in support while one even handed out water to help attendees manage the intense heat.
At one end of the protest route, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) parking lot became a shaded oasis for the protesters. Volunteers offered water, muffins and donuts. A building’s sprinkler provided much-needed relief from the scorching sun.
Though part of a national movement, the Fairbanks protest was entirely grassroots. A local organizer that only identified as Bella said, “There was no official organization behind it. It was just a coordinated effort of Fairbanksians, union people, everyday people, from North Pole, Ester, Fairbanks, all across. Just people doing it.” She added, “We want to make it clear that we are unwilling to capitulate to fascist regimes. People here in the U.S. and across the world are suffering because of this administration. We want our government to be for the people, by the people, instead of fascist and kind of terrible.”
Medicaid matters.
The “No Kings Day” movement protests autocratic leadership and government overreach, calling for the protection of democracy, equality, and human rights. It challenges the idea of any leader acting as a monarch with unchecked power. The phrase, “No Kings”, echoes centuries-old democratic ideas that oppose inherited or absolute power while reinforcing the idea that no authority should exist without accountability.
Locally, the event was peaceful and well-organized. A small police presence— two cars, two officers —monitored the protest, gently reminding attendees to respect public and private property. One officer asked a photographer standing on a wall to step down, and when the photographer did, he was met with a “thank you.” Protesters repeated this story throughout the afternoon, reminding each other, “Don’t get on those walls, the cop already told a guy to get off them.” Similar cautions were passed along about patches of newly seeded grass as well. Respect and cooperation stood alongside protest.
A counter-protest of five large, loud and lifted trucks, adorned with Rambo Trump and the ‘DON’T TREAD ON ME’ flags circled the route a few times, loudly playing music. One man continuously flipped off the crowd while driving past, prompting a protester to joke, “His arm’s probably sore, it was a big turnout.”
Attendees cited a wide range of reasons for participating. Milan Shipka said, “The way this is going is unacceptable. The hate, the autocracy, the ruling-class type of attitude. It’s wrong. It’s not America.”
Kellen Osborne, a University of Alaska Fairbanks alum, said, “We all deserve to be free. We have the money, the power, the tech, but it’s being abused. Just today, $45 million to flex military muscle? God help us.” Standing nearby, Alexia Anderson said, “Seeing everyone here, when we saw how big the crowd was, every time, it re-sparks a whole new level of hope for America and for the people of America.”
Faith, equality, and inclusion were common themes. Victoria Nelson, another UAF alum motivated by recent hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community, shared that, “Last year, my ‘Protect Trans Kids’ bumper sticker got vandalized at an event, and it scared the living daylights out of me. I thought, ‘Am I still safe in my community?’ So to see this, all these people of all ages showing up, it’s good to see that Fairbanks still has a golden heart.”
Photo from Jamie Ferns
“Real patriots don't celebrate the dismantling of our country.”
Victoria Fehringer said, “They talk about spreading Christian love, but right now it’s just Christian hate. My wife’s Catholic, she’s the least hateful person I know. We just want people to be loved for who they are and where they came from.”
Max Zolnierzak declared, “No one’s illegal on stolen land. Love is love. Happy Pride Month. Have fun!”
A federal employee and veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the erosion of the Constitution: “Many of us swore to uphold it. It’s concerning when our commander in chief seems more interested in rewriting it.”
Griffen Sukkaew, a staff member for Ashley Carrickand a transgender advocate, stressed the importance of standing against ICE raids and attacks on trans people, noting, “It’s important to show that even in a red state like Alaska, we’re not standing for this. Alaska isn’t all red; there are pockets of blue and people who know what’s right.”
Educators joined the demonstration. Dr. Abel Bult-Ito, a UAF professor of neurobiology and neurophysiology said, “I’m here to oppose dictatorship by the Trump administration. It’s a very dangerous time for us right now, and I’m glad we got so many people to show up here.”
Stuart Relay, Chief of Staff for State Representative Ashley Carrick, emphasized civil liberties: “It’s really encouraging to see Fairbankians exercising their right to free speech. It’s so important to emphasize these rights, free speech, due process, freedom of assembly, in these uncertain times. If you ever want to talk about political issues or need help, reach out to Rep. Ashley Carrick at 452-6084 or Representative.Ashley.Carrick@akleg.gov.”
Chants of “Love, not hate, makes America great” and “Hey hey, ho ho, all the ICE has got to go” echoed along the protest route. People complimented each other’s signs and outfits, danced, passed out snacks and sunscreen, and offered encouragement to strangers.
