We showed up. So did a whole lot of other people.
Oakland’s No Kings Day ( Indivisible ) felt bigger than June: packed BART cars (yes, we were sardined, and yes, it was the good kind), sun-splashed streets, inflatable costumes everywhere, and that brassy mini-marching band that turned walking into dancing. Joyful and nonviolent. Loud and peaceful. (Here’s the link to watch the video highlighting lots of locations around the country! NoKings.org)
On our way to the staging area, an older Black gentleman turned to us and said he’d been protesting since the ’60s—back when people threw bottles. He came alone. No sign, no shirt, just presence. We were humbled. We talked about how far backward our country has slid—and how we refuse to be still about it.
From Oakland to small towns across the country, clips rolled in all day. Estimates will keep shifting, but the point is clear: many millions showed up. And for some, it was their first time. That matters. Movements grow when new people have good first experiences and come back with friends.
A quick word on “parade vs protest.” We’ve heard the critique. Our take: there isn’t one right way. Saturday events are accessible. Well-organized, family-friendly actions build numbers, skills, and confidence. And nonviolent action is not “weak”—it’s effective. Music helps. Chants help. Radical joy helps. So do safety teams in bright vests, and routes that keep people protected.
We saw neighbors, clients, and folks we haven’t bumped into for years.
The work continues between big events. If you were there—thank you. If you weren’t—there are a dozen ways to plug in this week:
Do This Next
* Californians: Vote YES on Prop 50 (redistricting). Fill out your ballot and turn it in early.
* Donate or volunteer: ActBlue for Prop 50; phone banks and canvassing are happening now.
* Write voters: Postcards to Voters has active campaigns (GA PSC, PA judicial retention, NJ governor).
* Call Congress: Tell your reps what matters to you—brief and consistent beats perfect.
* Spread the word: Share why you showed up (or why you support) and invite one friend to the next action.
We’ll keep collecting your topic ideas—drop them at survey.acouplethinks.com or email hello@acouplethinks.com.
Joyful Moments
We just wrapped an 11-day road trip: family and friends in LA and San Diego, a spontaneous three-hour deep dive on the USS Midway, La Jolla’s art & wine fest, and the sweet relief of coming home. (Bonus drama: a late-night tornado warning in Pismo Beach. Everyone OK. Adrenaline: also OK.)
Momentum feels like this. See you at the next one.
Listen in to the podcast on Substack or Apple/Spotify podcasts for the whole story!
