Heather Bell
BLACKSBURG – The New River Valley community joined towns and cities throughout the U.S. and the world in Blacksburg Saturday, Mar. 28 for a No Kings rally to protest the federal administration.
“The event was everything we could have hoped for,” said Deborah Olsen of NRV Indivisible, a grassroots organization that organized the event along with Virginia Tech students. “People came energized, ready to reclaim their rights and their country, but also to stand up for their community, for the neighbors they know and those they do not.”
The rally began at Henderson Lawn, and a march was held on Main Street.
“The march and rally were peaceful, joyous and orderly,” said Olsen. “The Blacksburg police were a great help, blocking off streets and establishing a march route, the local stores were patient and encouraging – all of which speaks to the kind of community we have.”
“Perhaps most importantly, we all left with a sense of hope, and a renewed belief in the goodness and decency of our fellow citizens who will not let tyrants and billionaires determine the future of our country,” she concluded.
An estimated 1,700- 2,000 people attended the Blacksburg event. Throughout the U.S. and in some international cities approximately eight – nine million people participated in more than 3,300 No Kings rallies.
