March to Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Photo Essay - No Kings Rally, Philadelphia, PA, June 14, 2025
We arrived in Philadelphia around 10 am as the crowds were starting to grow. Starbucks was packed. Everyone was very polite and patient while waiting for both the service line and the bathroom line.
Love Park (JFK Plaza) was mostly full, and there were two more hours to go before the march would begin. It was a big crowd, but at that time people hoped for a much larger crowd.
Philadelphia Delivered!
Between 80,000 and 100,000 people of all kinds came out in Philadelphia to stand up for what they believe is right.
Protesters were enthusiastic to be there to fight for their rights. Excited to talk with each other. Empowered to chant, display their homemade signs, and have their voices heard.
When I asked, “What does today mean to you?” I got a range of answers: Protect the constitution and our rights to free speech, our rights to vote and fair elections, etc. Many were there to protest ICE, DOGE, cuts to science, cuts to education, cuts to social programs. And people were there to support each other, to support LGBTQ rights, to support immigrants, to support families, to support veterans, to support those on medicaid and those receiving social security.
One man, visiting from Louisiana, said he was not for one side or the other. “We are all Gods people. I am for everyone coming back together. No sides! We need to be one nation where we support each other, abide by the constitution, and care for our democracy.”
Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, attended the rally, marched with the parade of protesters and spoke at Independence Hall.
Martin Luther King III’s speech included, “I am deeply honored to stand with you today in the City of Brotherly Love. A city steeped in the dream of liberty, a city that birthed a nation, and a city that has long carried the flame of resistance in the face of oppression. Philadelphia, you are no stranger to struggle. You were a sanctuary for runaway slaves, a refuge for the righteous abolitionists, a crossroads for the Underground Railroad, and today, you are once again a sacred ground where justice calls and freedom answers. So, it is only fitting that we gather here today not in fear, but in faith. Not in despair, but in defiance. We gather here in the shadow of Independence Hall to declare that we the people still believe in democracy. We still believe in justice, and we still believe in a nation without kings.”
He ended with” “So let us rise up with faith. Let us march with courage, and let others keep climbing towards that great day when liberty is no longer a promise, but a live reality for all. And so, we will never give up. We will never give out. We will never give in. We must keep marching until freedom, justice, and equality exist for all humankind. Thank you and God bless each of you always.”
The day was peaceful.
Police were there in force - most on foot or on bikes. Every single one I said “hi” or “thank you” to responded in kind. They were all full of smiles, thumbs up, and peace signs.
For the organizers, for the people, and for the city, it was a success.
From what I understand, Philadelphia was just one of nearly 2000 cities and towns across the USA that held rallies on June 14th bringing together millions of Americans to protest Trump, and the actions of the current administration.
Below are more portraits of protest.
Thank you for taking the time to read and view my photos.
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BEAUTIFUL photos of inspirational folks! Thank you, Edward!
Love the opportunity to view the peaceful resolve on so many faces and determined joy on others. Thank you for including the text of the inspiring speech you heard.