A 75-year-old man, James Phipps, is determined to join the No Kings protests in Chicago, despite his recent surgery for colon cancer. He believes that his presence is crucial, as he has dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. Phipps, a native of Mississippi, has a long history of activism, having been involved in the civil rights movement since he was just 13 years old. He played a role in integrating his local high school and worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Later, he joined the Mississippi Freedom Labor Union (MFLU), advocating for better wages for sharecroppers.
At the time, the MFLU fought for the rights of cotton pickers, who were paid a mere 30 cents an hour for backbreaking work in the scorching sun. Phipps recalls, "It broke their necks, backs, pelvis, and knees." He adds, "They had no medical care, which is a key issue that still resonates with me."
Phipps, now an administrative support worker in Cook County, is a member of SEIU Local 73. He is grateful for his health insurance, which covered his recent surgery. However, he is concerned about the ongoing federal government shutdown, which could result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance due to expiring subsidies and Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration.
"You have greedy individuals focused solely on lining their pockets, ignoring the financial well-being of others," Phipps says, also expressing alarm at the aggressive ICE raids in Chicago. He believes that the Trump administration's defense of these raids, based on false claims about crime, is unjustified.
"Taking people out of their homes after living here for decades is unacceptable. I had Mexican neighbors for 41 years, and they were some of my closest friends. We supported and loved each other." Phipps sees parallels between the treatment of immigrants under Trump and the discriminatory laws he experienced in Mississippi.
"The struggles of Mexican Americans and people of color today are similar to what we faced since 1619, especially in the South with Jim Crow. If you dared to challenge the way you were treated, you risked being found in a river or lynched. I identify with what's happening now."
The No Kings protests, organized by some of the largest labor unions in the US, aim to address these issues. With over 2,600 demonstrations planned across all 50 states, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of Teachers are leading the charge.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, explains, "Unions empower regular people at work and in democracy. We understand that having a voice is essential for freedom."
While Republicans and Trump administration officials have labeled these protests as "hate America" rallies, contrasting them with Trump's description of January 6 rioters as "patriots," Weingarten clarifies that the events are a response to Trump's abuses of power and his administration's failure to address rising costs of groceries and healthcare.
"I love America, and I resent attempts to question my patriotism because I want the promise of America to be fulfilled for all. That's what labor stands for - ensuring the promise of America for our members and their families."
Jaime Contreras, executive vice-president for SEIU 32 BJ, representing 185,000 workers, echoes this sentiment, stating, "The real threat to our country is not peaceful protesters but politicians shutting down the government to protect billionaires and corporate greed. It's ironic to call peaceful protesters 'terrorists' while labeling those who attacked the Capitol 'patriots.' On October 18, SEIU members will join the No Kings protests because America belongs to the people, not to billionaires or politicians who think they can rule like kings."
The No Kings movement is a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and equality is ongoing, and that a voice is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
