Peaceful No Kings Rally Draws Over 113 in Newland

The nationwide protest against oligarchy and autocracy saw a sizable turnout in the small North Carolina town.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a group of people gathered in a small town square, their faces and bodies cast in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic engagement and community in the face of political turmoil.The peaceful Newland No Kings rally reflects a growing grassroots movement against authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms.Newland Today

A peaceful No Kings march drew a crowd of over 113 people and one dog through downtown Newland, North Carolina on Saturday, March 28th. The demonstration was part of nationwide protests spanning all 50 states, with notable crowds in major cities like New York and St. Paul. Protesters carried signs condemning oligarchy, corporatocracy, racism, and the war in Iran, while calling for democracy, equity, and justice.

Why it matters

The Newland rally was one of thousands of No Kings protests that have emerged as a major wave of opposition to the Trump administration, following large-scale demonstrations in 2025. The grassroots mobilization reflects growing civic engagement and concerns about the country's political direction among diverse groups, from longtime activists to first-time protesters.

The details

Protesters marched peacefully through downtown Newland, with vehicles honking in support and occasional detractors. Two local men stood amid the crowd, handing out Easter baskets and voicing opposition to the demonstration. Participants ranged from 92-year-old Dudley Gilmer, a lifelong Democrat and community volunteer, to younger attendees concerned about issues like immigration and the war in Iran.

  • The No Kings march took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • The nationwide No Kings protests were potentially among the largest single-day political actions in U.S. history, with over 8 million participants across more than 3,300 locations on March 28th.

The players

Dudley Gilmer

A 92-year-old Newland resident and lifelong Democrat who has been involved in local civic life for decades, including with Habitat for Humanity.

Claire Fortune

An 87-year-old Newland resident and Democrat who has lived in Avery County for 56 years and volunteers with Feeding Avery Families and Habitat for Humanity. She attended the protest in part to advocate for her immigrant grandchild.

Roy Arnett

One of two Newland men who stood amid the protest crowd handing out Easter baskets and voicing opposition to the demonstration.

Nancy Koppel

A Newland resident who has attended similar No Kings protests in nearby towns and described the experience as both political and social.

Liam Cornejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy whose detention by ICE and separation from family became a widely shared symbol of protest against mass immigration raids and deportations.

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What they’re saying

“I'm 92. I've lived in Avery County for 62 years, and (I've done) a lot of good stuff, like Habitat for Humanity and things like that. And I'm a Democrat, and I am proud to be here.”

— Dudley Gilmer

“I'm 87, I've lived in Avery County for 56 years, and I'm Democrat. I work with Feeding Avery Families and Habitat and volunteer in different kinds of causes. I'm really happy to be part of this No Kings demonstration.”

— Claire Fortune

“One of the reasons I'm here is for my grandchildren. I have nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and I want to help preserve democracy for them.”

— Claire Fortune

“I'm here because I love this country and I hate what's being done to it right now. This is my third No Kings. I've been to others in West Jefferson, and I'm going to go to Burnsville this afternoon.”

— Nancy Koppel

“I'm so proud of the folks in Newland and the people coming through. It's just indicative of where we're going as a country. People are changing, and that's good.”

— Lisa Whitson

The takeaway

The Newland No Kings rally was part of a nationwide wave of protests reflecting growing civic engagement and concerns about the country's political direction across diverse groups. The demonstration highlighted the continued role of grassroots activism and the First Amendment in communicating with political representatives, even in small communities.