150 gather in Chowan County as thousands of demonstrations are held across the country
EDENTON — More than 150 people gathered in Edenton on Saturday for a “No Kings” demonstration, joining what organizers say was more than 3,300 events held the same day across all 50 states — the third nationwide round of No Kings protests since the movement began in 2025. Yeah, baby, I’m writing about that rally!
Colleen Nicholas, who organized the Edenton event, said turnout exceeded expectations given the weather conditions. And damn, it was cold, a bit windy too for spring!?
“One hundred and fifty participants turned out despite the drop in temperature, and that darn wind,” she said. “Many people drove by honking horns to show their support.”
The demonstration drew Chowan County residents, people from surrounding counties and visitors who had traveled as far as Maine, Nicholas said. She described the mood as “friendly and upbeat.” Similar events were held across northeastern North Carolina the same day, including in Elizabeth City, Plymouth, Kitty Hawk, Ocracoke— over 70 cities and towns in North Carolina held events Saturday, including large marches in Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville. Organizers said nearly half of all protests took place in Republican-leaning areas, with Texas, Florida and Ohio each hosting more than 100 events, according to media reports.
Before the main rally in Edenton, a group gathered at the Chowan County Courthouse on Broad Street for a “Walk for Democracy,” marching the short distance down Broad Street to the demonstration site despite the cold. Three counter-protesters stood across the street holding signs that said: “Jesus is king.”
Nicholas said no incidents were reported. She credited safety volunteers and local law enforcement, who were present throughout the event, with keeping things orderly.
“Thank you to everyone that participated in the Walk for Democracy, and we thank our local law enforcement for being readily available,” she said.
The message from participants, Nicholas said, was pointed. Demonstrators said they stand by their neighbors, the rule of law and the Constitution.
“Participants made it clear locally, and added to the national voice, that we stand by our neighbors, the rule of law and our Constitution no matter how much Trump and his administration try to destroy them,” Nicholas said.
She outlined the coalition’s priorities going forward: electing representatives at the local, state, federal and judicial levels who will resist pressure on election maps; opposing what she called racially motivated enforcement by federal agents; and pushing back against what demonstrators view as the dismantling of government institutions and erosion of basic services.
“We won’t allow masked men to racially profile, kidnap or kill anyone else in America,” Nicholas said. “We won’t stand by while the billionaires literally dismantle our government and flaunt their wealth while taking away basic healthcare, affordable housing and promoting the ‘us and them’ mentality.”
Nicholas said the group plans to stay engaged with the local community and political organizations.
“As we go forward, we’re going to be involved with our local community and political organizations to keep the momentum up and continue getting out the message,” she said.
Claudia Dodson, who photographed the event, said she hopes visible turnout prompts reflection among people who have not yet spoken out.
“I’m very worried about the direction our country is taking,” Dodson said. “I believe seeing your friends and neighbors coming out of the shadows may get others to examine their conscience and rethink a few things.”
Nationally, the No Kings protests were coordinated by Indivisible and 50501 and joined by various organizations, including the AFL-CIO and Moveon. The movement originally took shape in response to the deaths of two people in January 2026 and subsequently expanded to include opposition to immigration enforcement policies and what organizers call executive overreach.
Subscribe — it’s free!
2 responses to “Edenton Residents Join Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protest”
Imagine!!! “As far as Maine”! Hope they bought their Easels In The Garden Tickets and hang around and sprinkle money …🌺🌷🌻!!
Are you certain that the three people peacefully standing on the corner holding signs “ Jesus is King “ were counter protestors? I thought they were a part of the “ No Kings “ group.