Quite a bit has happened to aggravate Americans against President Donald Trump since Memphis’ last “No Kings”rally in October 2025 — not just nationally, but locally as well.
Ordering troops onto Memphis streets would be on that list, as would coming to Memphis to brag about it. ICE raids. Killing two American demonstrators in Minnesota. Invading Venezuela (without seeking permission from Congress). Starting a war in Iran that’s got gas skyrocketing (also without a go-ahead Congress). Posting videos depicting the Obamas as apes. Putting his signature on money. The list gets rather long rather quickly.
Whatever their reasons, thousands of Memphians gathered Saturday at Robert R. Church Park — joining a wave of protests that spanned the nation — for the latest “No Kings” rally, voicing opposition to what they describe as an increasingly unchecked presidency.
Across the country, more than 3,000 “No Kings” events were held Saturday, drawing millions of participants in what organizers describe as one of the largest coordinated protest movements in recent U.S. history.
In Memphis, the gathering unfolded as both protest and community rally — with speakers, organizers and attendees pointing to issues that hit close to home, from immigration enforcement to economic pressure and the recent federal presence in the city.
According to the Memphis Police Department, six individuals were detained and three charged following what officers described as a disturbance near Second Street and Beale.
Police said organizers had a permit for the rally at the park, but not for a street march, and that officers gave repeated warnings for demonstrators to clear the roadway before making arrests.
One individual, identified as 33-year-old Rueben Burch, was charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, interfering with an officer and resisting detention. Authorities said pepper spray was used after a suspect resisted arrest. Organizers have disputed that account and called for further review of the incident.
While such protests are often portrayed in national media as drawing largely white, liberal crowds, Memphis told a different story.
Here, the gathering was notably diverse — Black and white, young and old, families and seasoned activists — reflecting a broader cross-section of the city than the stereotype might suggest.
By the height of the event, the crowd had swelled to over a thousand, filling the downtown park with handmade signs, chants and conversation.
Hundreds of demonstrators begin arriving shortly after noon at Robert R. Church Park for the “No Kings” rally in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
A protester wearing a Trump mask and orange jumpsuit holds a sign reading “Trump for Prison,” with “2028” crossed out and replaced with “Now,” during the “No Kings” rally in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen addresses the crowd during the “No Kings” rally at Robert R. Church Park. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Demonstrators move around a Memphis Police Department vehicle during the “No Kings” march in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Demonstrators march along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue following the rally. Memphis police later said the march was not permitted and that participants were instructed to remain on sidewalks. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Memphis police, including officers on horseback, monitor as demonstrators cross Beale Street during the “No Kings” protest. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson speaks through a bullhorn as his brother, Keshaun Pearson, stands behind him during the march. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Demonstrators continue west along Beale Street during the “No Kings” march in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
A protester is detained by Memphis police during the “No Kings” march in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Members of the National Action Network’s West Tennessee chapter march along Beale Street during the demonstration. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Memphis City Councilman J.B. Smiley Jr. walks with a young demonstrator during the “No Kings” march in downtown Memphis. (Courtesy: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
The afternoon opened not with speeches, but with music, setting a tone that felt as much communal as it was confrontational. A live band moved easily between eras and messages, with performances of “Wake Up Everybody,” popularized by Teddy Pendergrass, and “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness. At moments, the crowd joined in on freedom songs like “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” grounding the protest in a deeper historical rhythm.
That sense of continuity was perhaps best embodied by Joe Calhoun of the Withers Museum and Gallery, who once again carried a sign noting that he marched in 1968 — and is still marching today.
The message required no amplification.
Elected officials also made appearances, including U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who addressed the crowd, and state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who was seen both speaking and marching alongside demonstrators. Pearson, currently engaged in a primary challenge against Cohen, was joined at one point by his brother, Keshaun Pearson.
Memphis City Councilman J.B. Smiley Jr., who is running for Shelby County mayor, was also present, walking with participants through parts of the march.
Organizations including the National Action Network’s West Tennessee chapter were visible throughout the crowd, alongside grassroots groups and unaffiliated residents.
At one point, a protester wearing a Trump mask and an orange jumpsuit stood watching the crowd, holding a sign that read “Trump for Prison,” with “2028” crossed out and replaced with “Now” — one of many visual statements that blended protest with performance.
Following the speaking program, demonstrators moved into the streets for an impromptu march from the park through downtown corridors that included Beale Street and along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue near the FedExForum.
Despite tension between demonstrators and police, the overall tone of the day remained steady — part protest, part gathering, part reminder.
In Memphis, at least, the “No Kings” message carried not only political urgency, but historical resonance — echoing past struggles while reflecting a present-day coalition that, like the city itself, refuses to be easily categorized.
