Big, peaceful crowd lines Phoenix St for No Kings Protest

Casco resident Cam Davis, of 103rd Avenue, urges elected leaders to act

Nearly 700 people gathered along both sides of Phoenix Street in South Haven on Saturday afternoon, June 14. Organized by South Haven Indivisible, the two hour "No Kings" protest empowered those gathered, inspired countless drivers to honk in solidarity, and communicated messages of concern and anger about the direction of our country.

A resident of 60th Street and Lee Township stood with hundreds along the sidewalk right of way. His faded Green Door logo'd hat failed to shield his seasoned face from the sun. "I've never done anything like this before. My wife couldn't come because she had to take care of our dogs," he said. "I kinda teared up, seeing all of these people," he confessed, holding a handmade sign.

The couple next to him were visiting South Haven from Indianapolis. "I went to my first Indivisible protest in Indianapolis a few weeks ago," the man said. "I don't usually do this kind of stuff. But we saw online that the protest was happening and we decided to come."

The huge turnout was a mood booster for many. The focus for many was on others. "I'm here to be a voice to represent young people who can't come because they're working or have small children," Casco resident Janice Blaising said.

Tom Blaising and Jan Blaising express their reasons for participating

Her husband Tom Blaising said he was here because of 'everything.' "It's been such a terrible week. This is perfect timing for a demonstration--I'm ready for more," he said.

BJ Flessner enjoys the vibe of the lively crowd

BJ Flessner, of 101st Avenue in Casco, was excited to be among the hundreds of demonstrators who were in good humor. "People loved my 'Free Melania' sign," he said.

Lois and Carl Schwartz of Mount Pleasant subdivision, together with Sue Cunningham of 74th St, spoke with passion. "I'm here because Trump is destroying our country," Lois said. "America is a nation of immigrants. Immigrants deserve respect; I'm the grandchild of immigrants who built this country out of their flesh and blood. And we need competence. Trump is totally incompetent and he has specifically chosen people who are incompetent."

Sue Cunningham, left, together with Lois and Carl Schwartz

Cunningham nodded her head. "I agree with everything Lois said; the people he's put into important positions are ruining our country."

Judy Pollack had strong words too: "I'm terrified of what's going on in government. This is how Hitler started."

Judy Pollack expresses great concern about the direction of the country

Dr. Larry Scott, a Physic professor by training and resident of Orchard Dr. in Glenn Shores, said "I'm here to support the cause." Spouse Dr. Cheryl Scott, a speech pathologist, chimed in to protest cuts to science and the National Institute of Health. "Science and the NIH make America great always!" she said.

The Scotts, both doctors, advocate for science and NIH

Greg Haas, resident of Glenn Shores, attending the protest with his partner Ren Wright, said "We would be here even if we weren't gay. Here lies the King: he lies, cheats, and steals--everything we teach our children not to do." He hoped people would come out to the next protest: "Please join us on the right side of history!"

Glenn Shores residents Greg Haas (l.) and Ren Wright

The crowd was well managed by volunteers from the South Haven Indivisible group who passed out bottles of water, guided protesters to stand in safe areas, led chants back and forth between those lining both sides of Phoenix Street, and handed out American flags.

Casco Township resident Will Hart with South Haven Indivisible Peacekeeper Julia Ludwig

South Haven Indivisible, which shares information through its website and on Facebook, holds its next meeting on Thursday June 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the South Haven Memorial Library, 314 Broadway Street in South Haven. Meetings last one hour.