"No Kings Day of Action" rallies protesting the policies of President Donald Trump were held in 75 communities across the state. The events were organized in response to a planned military parade in the nation's capital for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which is also Trump's 79th birthday.
A dozen rallies were held in the region, between Jackson and St. Joseph, and from Holland to Niles.
Thousands of people rallied a stretch of Drake Road in Kalamazoo that ran for over a mile.
Organizer Katie Tolhurt is a member of the national pro-democracy group, Indivisible. She said they expected anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 people.
“I've been hearing from the head of our safety committee that they believe it's actually probably closer to 7,000 people today,” said Tolhurst.
She said membership in Indivisible Greater Kalamazoo has grown too. The group started with 18 members in January. Tolhurst said there are about 2000 today.
In Paw Paw, organizers estimated that over 500 people crowded both sides of Michigan Avenue.
“I've been a Republican my whole life. I come from a long line of Republicans. So, I am here protesting because the Republican party I knew is not this Republican Party,” said Rosemary Ciraulo. She was here with her 27-year-old son, Joe, who she says now carries his passport to be safe.
"I am born and raised out of Newark, New Jersey, but if I get a little bit a bit of color, you never know who's kind of looking at me the wrong way," explained Joe Ciraulo.
Ciraulo said he plans to continue pushing back on the Trump administration in support of causes he believes in, like universal healthcare.
"I even got got my own bullhorn, you know, screaming out here, chanting. It's not a problem if I lose my voice cuz it's... it's somebody has to say something and staying silent is being complacent."
So what's next for the movement?
In Paw Paw and in Kalamazoo, organizers said there will be more rallies, but first they will take a moment to regroup.
They said pushing lawmakers is a priority. Congressman Bill Huizenga has been invited to a town hall meeting at 7:30 pm on June 17 at the People's Church, 1758 10th Street in Kalamazoo.
"He's had a few telephone town halls and has thankfully turned his phone back on," said Tolhurst. Huizenga has been criticized for not holding in-person town hall meetings. Constituents also expressed frustration that calls to his office went to voicemail, instead of being answered by a person.
"But we need our representatives to listen because they are our voice in in in Congress and the government. And so it's putting more pressure on them and making sure that they understand that we are here, we are fed up," Tolhurst said.
"It's not just Democrats, Republicans and independents and and libertarians, I mean, we're a non-partisan group. We take everybody."
