On June 14, Urbana will join communities across the nation for “No Kings Day,” a coordinated day of protest and civic action aimed at rejecting authoritarianism and defending democratic values. 

“No Kings Day” is part of a broader national movement, with over 1,500 protests planned across all 50 states and even internationally. The movement’s central message is a rejection of what organizers describe as increasing authoritarian excesses, corruption, and attacks on free speech and democratic institutions under President Trump’s administration. The protests are intentionally timed to offer a counter-narrative to the president’s birthday celebrations and military parade in Washington, D.C., which organizers argue are more characteristic of authoritarian regimes than a constitutional republic.

Urbana’s “No Kings!” rally will take place at the Champaign County Courthouse on Saturday, June 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The downtown event is organized by Champaign County Indivisible, 50501 Illinois, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation – Central Illinois. Protesters are encouraging participants to bring signs, water, and a shared commitment to democratic values, with the event post urging: “Bring a desire to maintain our democracy. We already fought one war to oust a king. The United States does NOT HAVE A KING!!”

After the protest at the courthouse, attendees are invited to a complimentary community dinner at 6 p.m. at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, located in Lincoln Square Mall. This meal is hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

According to the national “No Kings” campaign, June 14 is a day for Americans to “rise up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” emphasizing that the flag and the country’s democratic institutions belong to the people, not any one leader.

Organizers stress that the events are peaceful and inclusive, inviting families, friends, and neighbors to participate.