by Darrell Kirk
Sounder contributor
Upwards of 200 people gathered on the Village Green for a “No Kings” rally focused on democracy, human rights, free speech, and constitutional liberties on Oct. 18.
Despite steady rain, attendees arrived in colorful costumes, with some dressed as frogs and unicorns. Flags waved throughout the crowd as people assembled on the green. In a brief moment of youthful exuberance, an Orcas Island student climbed to the roof of the bathroom building, proudly waving a sign, before being quickly urged to come down safely.
The event was organized by Linda Ellsworth and Jolene Hoffman as part of Orcas Island Indivisible, a newly formed local chapter of the national Indivisible movement. Ellsworth explained that the organizing group came together as individuals concerned about preserving democracy.
Musical performances were featured throughout the afternoon. Sharon Nelson, Libby Garcia, and Gretchen Berger led attendees in singing “I Believe in the Power of Kindness.”
Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz later performed a call-and-response song titled “No More Kings,” with lyrics including “No more tyrants, in this land of natives and migrants.”
Clint McCune and his daughter Charlie performed together, singing a song with lyrics that included: “I am resilient. I trust the movement. I negate the chaos… I’ll show up at the table again and again and again.”
Charlie McCune then addressed the crowd with a message to government officials: “We kids are watching. Just do better.”
Builder Michael Cleveland spoke about his plans to travel across America next summer to engage communities in conversations. “Change doesn’t have to come from governments or the power-hungry or kings,” he said. “It can start right here, between us.”
Community member Jas Ikeda, who was detained by Israeli forces during her participation in the Global Summit Flotilla, spoke at the event.
“I’m back, and I’m safe, which I’m really grateful for,” Ikeda said, thanking the community members who had worried about her safety during her detention. “On Orcas Island, we’ve built a strong, close community, similar to how Palestinians have built theirs. My experience of being detained there — while people wanted to help me but couldn’t — taught me something important: if we can care deeply about our neighbors and loved ones, we can extend that same compassion to Palestinians we’ve never met, recognizing they’re also good people trying to build their communities and live their lives. I hope sharing this experience helps you feel that connection too. We’re united in this struggle.”
Joy Hughes spoke about transgender rights and urged attendees to contact Senators Cantwell and Murray. She discussed Executive Order 14168, passport policies, and concerns about transgender prisoners in federal facilities.
Darcy Leach spoke about anti-fascism, noting that her father served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. “I am anti-fascist, and I’m proud of it,” she said. She also performed an adapted version of the folk song “Yellow is the Color of My True Love’s Hair,” rewriting it as “Yellow is the Color of No King’s Day.”
The event included call-and-response songs emphasizing themes of organization and solidarity. Organizers provided “Know Your Rights” cards, sign-making materials, and hot peppermint tea under a tent throughout the afternoon.
