There were more "No Kings" protests against the Trump administration this weekend.
In Rockford, several hundred people crowded into Rockford City Market, holding signs decrying everything from the war in Iran and ICE to the Epstein files.
Payton Skupien, from Roscoe, said she hears the Trump administration talk a lot about protecting children, but she questioned the priorities.
"Why do you think that it's so important to protect them from drag queens, but not bombs? Why do you feel like it's important to protect them until they actually come out of the womb?"
Stanley Campbell, a long-time Rockford peace activist and Vietnam War veteran, held up a sign he’s had for more than 20 years, which he modified slightly.
"This is a sign that says, 'No Iraq War.' And I did what I think George W. Bush might have done — replace the 'Q' with an 'N.' So unfortunately, this is a reusable sign that now says, 'No Iran War.'"
Several politicians, including state Sen. Steve Stadelman, spoke at the event.
In DeKalb, hundreds of protesters chanted, "This is what democracy looks like!" as they marched from Clinton Rosette Middle School and met up with more participants at Hopkins Park.
For Mayeli, a DeKalb resident, this was her first protest. She stayed up late the night before working on her sign, which read, "My parents fought for my future. Now I will fight for them." She said it represents her commitment to always be there for her parents, who are immigrants, and was why it was important for her to join the local march.
State Rep. Murri Briel, the singing group Bread & Roses, and poet Darius Jackson of Four Poets, One Mic were among the speakers featured at the DeKalb event.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
