No Kings demonstration spans six miles as thousands of Kansans line streets
Protestors line up March 28, 2026, along a six-mile stretch of Metcalf Avenue as part of a No Kings rally in Johnson County. (Photo by Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)
SHAWNEE MISSION — Advocacy organizations and thousands of community members gathered along Metcalf Avenue for six miles for the No Kings protest of President Donald Trump.
Protestors lined up at intersections from 75th Street to 119th Street, some in groups of hundreds.
“We have to let the country know that we the people need to save our country, because right now the government isn’t doing it and they need to,” said Boots on the Ground volunteer Melanie Lowe. “If you don’t like what’s going on right now, this can give you the encouragement that the majority of this country is not for what’s happening right now.”
Local political and activism organizations formed at each block in what Boots on the Ground Midwest calls “adopting blocks,” so attendees could connect with local groups. Organizations included the KC Handmaid Army, American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, and Equality Kansas.
Boots on the Ground Midwest had safety marshals stationed at each block to ensure protests remained peaceful and safe.
More than 2,600 No Kings demonstrations took place across the country Saturday, following No Kings protests that took place in June and October. Cities across Kansas participated, including in Lawrence, Eudora, Topeka and Leavenworth.
“We need to show our elected officials that we’re not OK with them taking our rights away,” said Boots on the Ground board member Chelsea MacPherson. “When they take away civil rights from one of us, they take civil rights from all of us. I’m here to say that we have a constitution and not a king.”
Organizations also walked the route encouraging people to register to vote or to get involved within their neighborhoods.
“We’re taking this opportunity to turn activism into action,” said Kansas Young Democrats president Reed Krewson. “We’re here trying to make sure people are registered to vote in upcoming elections.”
For others, reasons for attending were more personal.
Angela Roberts said Trump’s war on Iran hits close to home. Roberts carried a flag with the word “resist” on it.
“I want to represent my family,” Roberts said. “We are losing lives of our children on a war that’s not a war. As the mother of a combat veteran, it’s just not right.”