From SOMA Action:
SOMA Action, the South Orange and Maplewood grassroots progressive organization, announces its participation in the third national “No Kings” movement with a community march and rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026,
SOMA Action invites residents of South Orange, Maplewood and nearby towns to join the nationwide Day of Action to Defend Democracy and Resist Authoritarianism and organizers say NJ-11 Candidate Analilia Mejia, NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin, and State Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema will headline the rally at Maplewood Town Hall.
The event will run from 12 to 2 PM, with staging locations and additional details to be shared with the community in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars and save the date. Register here for No Kings in South Orange-Maplewood. Participants are being encouraged to share the registration link widely to maximize turnout.
The “No Kings” movement is a nationwide civic mobilization organized to resist authoritarianism, defend democratic institutions, and demonstrate that power in America belongs to the people. No individual in America, including the U.S. president, is above the law.
SOMA Action, a member of Indivisible National, has been an organizing partner of the No Kings coalition since the movement began in June 2025. Its first local event in South Orange drew more than 1,000 participants and was part of what became the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. The group hosted a local event the second No Kings Day in October at the Gazebo on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. This protest drew roughly double the number of participants as the first one. The planned protest for the March 28 national No Kings Day will span both towns of South Orange and Maplewood.
Each event has built on the last, growing in size, deepening in community roots, and broadening in civic reach, said Erika Malinoski, Co-President of SOMA Action.
“Every time we gather, something shifts—not just in the people who show up, but in the community as a whole,” Malinoski said. “We’ve seen neighbors become volunteers, bystanders become organizers, and doubt give way to determination. March 28 is our chance to carry that momentum forward. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport, and this community has proven, repeatedly, that we know how to show up.”
The March 28 march and rally will kick off a new wave of coordinated, nationwide demonstrations in 2026, said Allison Posner, Co-President of SOMA Action.
“Every rally we hold is built on nonviolent principles, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peaceful, lawful action,” Posner said. “We want every member of this community—of every background—to feel welcome, safe, and heard. That’s what makes this movement last.”
As in prior events, the rally will feature opportunities for participants to connect with local organizers, learn about ongoing political initiatives, and stand together in a peaceful, accessible, and inclusive show of democratic solidarity.
“Our committee is built on the belief that protecting our democratic institutions requires sustained, year-round work,” said Amy Higer, co-chair of SOMA Action’s Democracy Action Committee. “March 28 is an important moment for our community to send a powerful message: we are organized, we are engaged, we are not afraid, and we are not going anywhere. We expect to see record turnout, and even more importantly, we hope this rally inspires new people to plug into the ongoing work across the country to defend democratic institutions and protect our immigrant communities.”
All participants at the March 28 rally are expected to adhere to No Kings principles of nonviolent action, de-escalatation of potential confrontations, and following the law. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, are prohibited. SOMA Action is also committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Participants with accessibility questions are encouraged to contact organizers directly at [email protected].
Join Us — Here’s How to Get Involved:
- Register for the March 28 No Kings rally at the official SOMA Action Mobilize page: Location TBD—check back for updates.
- Out of town for SOMA’s No Kings event? Search for one near you! They’re happening in cities and towns in all 50 states, and around the world.
- Volunteer to help organize the event. SOMA Action needs help with outreach, setup, day-of coordination, and event follow-up. Contact [email protected] to get involved.
- Join SOMA Action’s email list and become part of NJ’s grassroots organizing community: [email protected].
- Stay engaged in 2026. Democracy defense is year-round work. Follow SOMA Action on Instagram, Facebook and BlueSky for updates on rallies, town halls, civic education, and more.
