Message of South Jersey’s ‘No Kings’ Rallies Continue to Reverberate
No Kings Rally protesters meet in Woolwich Township on June 14, 2025. Photo by Monique Howard
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
BY MONIQUE HOWARD | South Jersey Information Equity Project, and FRNJ STAFF REPORTS
Detractors of President Donald Trump gathered in six locations in South Jersey on June 14 for nationwide “No Kings” rallies to protest the administration.
While the feelings and energy generated from the rallies have carried on nearly a month later, many are waiting to see what comes next as federal courts around the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court, continue to grapple with the administration’s refining of presidential power.
Many at the rallies focused various issues, such as the administration’s attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs nationally that affect many communities of color, along with immigration deportation efforts that have disproportionately affected the Latino community.
The rallies were held on Flag Day, President Trump’s 79th birthday, and the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Trump supporters celebrated the president’s and Army’s birthdays during a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14.
According to CNN, there were 2,100 “No Kings” rallies around the country.
Rallies in Woolwich Township in Gloucester County and Atlantic City joined other South Jersey protests in Cape May Court House, Haddon Township, Millville and Ocean City.
Protesters gathered on a cloudy afternoon to stand along the sidewalks of Auburn Road and Center Square Road in Woolwich Township.
Elizabeth L. Volz, volunteer organizer of No Kings Gloucester County and founder/coordinator of United Progressive Democrats, said their rally was peaceful rallies and mirrored others around the country in a show of unity, democracy and against the alleged federal government overreach.
People of all ages participated, holding signs high while standing on the sidewalks, as passing cars honked in support. Volz boosted morale by chanting through a megaphone as she walked back and forth among the crowd.
“Show me what democracy looks like!” Volz shouted.
“This is what democracy looks like!” the crowd responded.
These sentiments echoing throughout the multiple rallies demonstrating against the Trump administration’s funding cuts, actions against immigrants, dismantling of essential organizations, and restrictions on freedom of speech.
“It’s part of a national action to say we absolutely do not accept any kings,” Volz said. “And the behavior of Trump and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and his administration is the behavior of a king, not that of a democratic president. So, we’re here to protest that.”
There was a sense of unity and camaraderie among the protesters in Woolwich Township.
“I’m very happy to see all these people out here and all the support from people driving by,” said Gloucester County resident Susan Melba. “And I think what’s happening to our country is outrageous and that somebody needs to rein this administration in — because they’re just getting out of control.”
A large crowd gathered at Atlantic City’s O’Donnell Park, emceed by El Pueblo Unido’s Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez that called out the federal government on its immigration actions and other issues. El Pueblo Unido is a local nonprofit that addresses concerns of immigrants in Atlantic County.
Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic City council vice president and president of the local NAACP, told the diverse, multicultural crowd that it was time for them to come together to challenge what he calls the chipping away of democratic norms.
“This is our moment,” Shabazz told the crowd. “We never had a president who violated the Constitution. We can’t have a country that discriminates and puts down people … We can’t have that kind of country. This is our time to stand together.”
Other speakers included well-known political organizer Kate Delany, Melissa Tomlinson from the Atlantic County Council of Education and representatives from the Women’s March Atlantic City.
While No Kings rallies took place around the country, White House communications director Steven Cheung took a swipe at the events on social media on June 14.
“The so-called No Kings protests have been a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance,” Cheung said on X. “It is sad Democrats and liberals would rather support criminals and illegals instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great U.S. Army and Flag Day. But many more Americans are commemorating our brave military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and who those continue to serve our country.”
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