Thousands expected in Philadelphia for "No Kings" protest Saturday against Trump administration
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to flood Center City Saturday for the national "No Kings" protest, a large-scale response to recent actions by the Trump administration.
Organizers said they believe Philadelphia's demonstration will be among the largest in the country. The march is set to begin at LOVE Park and will end on the steps of the Art Museum, where a large stage and security fencing were already in place Friday afternoon.
CBS News Philadelphia was the only news outlet on the ground as around two dozen organizers walked the planned route from LOVE Park to the parkway. They said they are preparing for a peaceful but powerful show of unity and protest.
Josh Sanders.
"People have been warned and trained to stay peaceful. We have the right to do this under the First Amendment, and in fact, the City of Philadelphia is helping us," said Meg Berlin of Indivisible Philadelphia, one of the grassroots groups behind the demonstration.
Philadelphia police said it's "all hands on deck" with large crowds expected to gather by 10 a.m. Saturday.
"Our number one priority is making sure that all of these events, especially this one, is well-organized and peaceful," said Dani Negrete, one of the lead organizers. "We've been really working hard to make sure all of our attendees, all our hosts, all of our organizers know why they're here."
The protest comes amid a wave of nationwide demonstrations and heightened tensions, as the Trump administration pushes forward with mass deportation efforts. In Los Angeles, National Guard troops and Marines have been deployed in response to civil unrest.
"Here in Philadelphia, we're going to have a clear message that rings out across the world about the importance of this moment and the importance of standing up while our right to do that is under threat," Negrete said.
CBS News Philadelphia.
Berlin said she hopes the demonstration offers a moment of unity and resolve at a time when the country feels deeply divided.
"I hope that it will be, in some ways, joyful that people get together, see what we're doing, and say, 'Yes, that's what I want,'" she said.
A source close to the mayor's office told CBS News Philadelphia that preparations are "significant and substantial."
City officials are warning of major traffic delays around the protest area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
12 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Protests Nationwide as Trump Stages Military Parade: Live Coverage
The U.S. military holds its largest parade in decades today, a date that marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army— and the 79th birthday of President Trump. Events are planned throughout the day in the nation's capital city and counterprotests are scheduled nationwide. Here's what to know: "No Kings" protests are planned in over 2,000 cities, in which organizers aim to present a peaceful 'split screen' between Trump's military parade and what they call his presidential overreach. In the week before the parade, demonstrations across the country, beginning in Los Angeles, were sparked by aggressive raids by immigration agents. The parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET in Washington--despite concerns that storms could lead organizers to cancel. A concert and fireworks are follow. WSJ will livestream the events. On display: Vintage tanks and other military equipment representing major U.S. wars. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have fretted over the cost, whilch the Pentagon has said could reach $45 million. See the latest updates below
Travel Weekly
14 minutes ago
- Travel Weekly
Why Juneteenth matters to all of us
In the 2025 Telly Award-winning episode of "Traveling With Denella," I took a deeply personal journey to Galveston, Texas -- the birthplace of Juneteenth. Denella Ri'chard has been the host of the TV show "Traveling With Denella" since 2020. She is a former executive of Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Hilton and is also a con-sultant and industry speaker. There, I sat down with renowned local historian Sam Collins, whose insight and passion brought new depth to a story I thought I already understood. But what I learned transformed how I view not only this holiday but American history itself. The Juneteenth backstory On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with a message that would forever change the course of American history. He read General Order No. 3, announcing that "all slaves are free." For the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas, this was the first official word of their freedom. Why did it take so long? As Collins explained it, Texas -- geographically remote and politically resistant -- became a final refuge for slavery as the Confederacy crumbled. Some enslavers intentionally withheld the news. Others fled to Texas specifically to avoid emancipation. Juneteenth marks the delayed but determined dawn of freedom for the last enslaved people in the U.S. Reasons we celebrate Juneteenth isn't just a Black story. It's an American story: a narrative of hope, resilience and triumph against unimaginable odds. It's the story of a nation struggling to live up to its founding ideals, that all are created equal. To celebrate Juneteenth is to acknowledge our shared history honestly, to reflect on how far we've come and to recommit ourselves to justice and equality for all. And yet, Juneteenth is not just about the past. It's a reminder that freedom and equality are not static achievements; they are ongoing pursuits. Juneteenth calls us to action. It's a day that invites education, service, conversation and unity. Related forum: Tracing Juneteenth's roots and meaning Across the country, communities are now using this day to host cultural festivals, educational workshops and commemorative ceremonies that foster progress and community fellowship. It's an opportunity for all Americans to take part in building a better, more inclusive future. This is why it's so meaningful that Juneteenth became a federal holiday. President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, after decades of advocacy from community leaders, historians and everyday Americans who understood the importance of remembrance and recognition. It was a moment of national acknowledgment -- long overdue but deeply powerful. A personal reflection Walking through Galveston's historical districts, I felt the weight of history and the spirit of those who waited for freedom to reach them. I thought about the strength it took not just to survive slavery but to build lives, communities and futures in its aftermath. During the episode, Sam showed me Galveston's Freedom Walk, which included the Middle Passage marker, which commemorates enslaved people in Galveston; Reedy Chapel, where General Order No. 3 was read; and a Juneteenth mural that Sam said "helped expand the narrative" by, among other things, including images of Black Union troops. This episode of "Traveling With Denella" wasn't just about documenting a destination. It was about uncovering truths, elevating voices and honoring the past in a way that empowers the present. For me, celebrating Juneteenth is not optional -- it's essential. A call to celebrate Juneteenth teaches us that freedom delayed is still freedom worth fighting for. It invites every American to join in reflection and celebration, not just of emancipation but of the enduring belief that justice will prevail. As we mark Juneteenth each year, let's move beyond barbecues and picnics. Let's tell the stories. Let's teach the history. Let's recognize that this moment in time belongs to all of us. Because Juneteenth is not just Black history. It's American history. The "Juneteenth" special episode airs in 50-plus cities through June, including NBC affiliates in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle. Check local listings or stream at _____________________________________ Travel Weekly accepts opinion pieces on subjects of interest to the travel industry and, most importantly, to travel advisors. Forums should be 550 words and must be exclusive to Travel Weekly; no part of the writing can have been published anywhere else. Forums must not be self-promotional and should be submitted with the understanding that Travel Weekly reserves the right to edit the content for length, style, spelling, clarity, structure, etc. Submissions, along with a high-resolution headshot and a short bio, should be emailed to editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and deputy managing editor Gerry Bourbeau.
Hamilton Spectator
16 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: ‘No Kings' protests spread across US as Trump gets military parade
The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald Trump 's 79th birthday is being staged Saturday in Washington, D.C. The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. Opponents of the president's agenda are simultaneously rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide at 'No Kings' protests following days of nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Here's the Latest: Here's what to expect at the big parade The tanks are staged and ready to roll. Fencing and barriers are up . Protective metal plating has been laid out on Washington's streets. And more than 6,000 troops are poised to march near the National Mall to honor the Army's 250th anniversary on Saturday, which happens to be President Donald Trump's 79th birthday . One big unknown: Rain is in the forecast and lightning could cause delays, but the White House said the parade must go one, rain or shine. And Trump said Thursday night that the weather 'doesn't matter ... Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it.' Daylong festivities celebrating the Army are planned on the National Mall — featuring NFL players, fitness competitions and displays — culminating in the parade, which is estimated to cost $25 million to $45 million . The Army expects as many as 200,000 people to attend. A special reviewing area is being set up so that the president can watch up close as each formation passes the White House. Cities brace for large crowds at anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations across the US Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against Trump, as officials urge calm and National Guard troops mobilize. A flagship 'No Kings' march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump's Guard deployment 'an alarming abuse of power' that 'shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.' The Army is set to celebrate 250 years with a parade that coincides with Trump's birthday The massive military parade that President Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration . It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
