No Kings protest in Lexington ‘gets bigger every single time’
Thousands of people flooded the courthouse plaza in downtown Lexington on Saturday in what appeared to be the largest No Kings protest the city has seen so far.
“It gets bigger every single time,” Nema Brewer told the crowd, noting that it’s been a year since demonstrations in Lexington started as a means to protest President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We are here today for one simple reason: hope,” said Brewer, an organizer with KY120 United — AFT, a union that represents educators, state employees and school staff members. “This is more than a rally or a protest. It is a celebration of community.”
The demonstration was one of more than 3,300 planned around the country, including a “flagship” rally at the Minnesota state capitol that was scheduled to host big-name attendees including Bruce Springsteen, Jane Fonda, Joan Baez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Gov. Tim Walz and others.
The League of Women Voters of Kentucky said 38 rallies were planned across 35 Kentucky cities Saturday.
In Lexington, attendees were led in singing soothing, folksy melodies backed by a band that included tambourines, a keyboard, guitar and saxophone.
“It’s OK to change your mind,” the crowd sang. “Show us your courage. Leave this behind.”
Nadia Rasheed told attendees to “defend democracy. Be vocal. Never be silent, but be peaceful.”
She spoke of the bombing of schools, medical facilities and other civilian buildings in Iran, the displacement of people in Lebanon, the situation in Cuba and other examples of human suffering.
“The U.S. has created a global catastrophe,” she said.
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Shannon Kettenring, of Georgetown, held a sign that read, “It’s so bad the introverts are here,” while her companion held one stating, “Tired of living in an Onion article.”
Kettenring said she feels compelled to act.
“I have children, teenage children who are watching me. I can’t do nothing,” she said.
She said she also finds it encouraging to be with others who share her views, and she wants to reflect that hope back to them.
“Sometimes it can feel discouraging living in a traditionally red state, to feel like your voice doesn’t matter,” she said.
And, Kettenring said, “I’m a history major. I know what happens when people don’t stand up.”
History seemed to be a recurring theme Saturday.
Rian Davis, a social studies teacher at Bryan Station High School, was one of a group of history teachers who told the crowd it’s important for students to learn history because it helps them see that they can affect change.
“And that,” Davis said, “is dangerous to those who want to maintain their power without accountability.”
Charles Lane, who lives in Lexington, said he attended Saturday’s protest because “I’m disappointed with Congress.”
“Congress really is not doing their job,” he said. “They should be holding this president to the constitution.”
He said a several issues are concerning to him: “It’s the war. It’s ICE. It’s just tearing down the East Wing. It’s just putting his name on everything. It’s ridiculous.”
This story was originally published March 28, 2026 at 8:07 PM.
