OLEAN — The local Voices of the People Movement will be holding a protest Saturday, working with national Mobilize for the No Kings 3.0. Day of protest.
The National Day of Protest is standing up for the rights of all Americans and for the Constitution to be upheld, said Jessica Davis, one of the organizers.
“Whether to protest ICE procedures, tariffs that hurt Americans, the rule of law, the war in Iran, the Epstein files, the economy, the healthcare crisis, or our rights being taken away, there are many reasons to take to the streets,” Davis said. “Come out to say ‘No More.’ We want a better way forward. We want a government that works for all Americans, not just the billionaire class.”
Saturday’s protest will be held March 28, from 2-4 p.m. at Lincoln Park in Olean. “We ask people to bring signs and noise makers such as whistles and bullhorns,” Davis said. “We will have petition signing sheets to get candidates on the ballot. We will have voter registration. We will have a sign making table.”
Davis said, “We, the people have the power and are claiming it together. Rise up and use your voice to say no thrones and no crowns. Say no to a golden ballroom for the elite inside the People’s house. No Kings. We say our Constitution and our democracy are worth the fight.”
This is a public event. It will be shared publicly on social media, and in the local news pages. We do ask people to be aware of what’s going on around them for safety. We do have a safety team and safety plan.
“What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Our peaceful movement is bigger than ever,” she said.
“Let’s come out and make this a huge event and show our politicians; both locally and federally, that we will not go down without a fight when it comes to people’s rights, when it comes to people’s health care, when it comes to American democracy.
“We will also be doing a donation drive for Olean Mutual Aid. Donations will benefit the unhoused community in Olean,” Davis said. These are the items we are asking for:
- Moisture wicking socks.
- Heat duty rain Ponchos.
- Tarps.
- Waterproof bags/backpacks.
- Tuna packets.
- Chicken salad packets.
- Any canned pop top lid food: fruits, veggies, soups, pastas.
- Drink mixes for water.
- Protein bars.
- Pads& tampons.
“We will also be collecting diapers, baby formula and wipes for local families in need. Let’s build a community that supports each other,” Davis said.
“On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets in protest. We’re not watching history happen — we’re making it. Join us and bring a friend,” she said.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.
“We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate in any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Our safety team will be in place,” Davis said.
