‘No Kings’ rally coming to Sherwood

Sherwoodian protesters are expected to be active on October 18, which is “No Kings” day — one of more than 2,000 nationwide events planned for Saturday.

Two overlapping actions are scheduled for Old Town Sherwood at Southwest First and Pine Streets from 9 a.m. until noon, with a second party slated to congregate on the new Pedestrian Bridge between the YMCA and Sherwood High School from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The marches are intended to support free speech, justice, and equality while opposing oligarchy, according to the Sherwood groups. Residents can expect to see peaceful flag-waving and homemade rally signs.

The Sherwood rallies are organized by volunteers from several nonprofits and organizations including No Kings, Indivisible, Mobilize, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). 

The core tenet behind No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action supporting political power belonging to all Americans, not a small group.

According to Sherwood resident Wendy Wells, the host of the Sherwood events, all are welcome and invited to attend both events.

"Many of our citizens are concerned with the tidal wave of federal overreach in conducting immigration raids, sending U.S. troops into our cities, and ignoring court orders,” Wells said. “Thousands of people have turned out for previous marches in Tigard, Beaverton, and downtown Portland, raising their signs and voices in peaceful resistance. We simply want our voices to be heard."

Also on October 18, a “No Kings” rally and march is scheduled for downtown Portland, hosted by cohorts of the same groups. The location is set for the Battleship Oregon Memorial at the Waterfront Park.

“Trump is sending militarized agents into our cities, muzzling voters, and showering billionaires with handouts. Hard-working American families are left behind,” said Dannelle Stevens, founder of Miller Street Indivisible, the Portland branch of the organization. “That’s not democracy; that’s tyranny, and we will not meet it with silence."