LENOIR, N.C. – Indivisible Caldwell County, a committee of people from Caldwell County and beyond have scheduled a No Kings Rally for Lenoir on Saturday, March 28, 2026. It will be held on the square in downtown Lenoir, where a No Kings Rally was held last June 14. It will be from 4 – 6 p.m. Organizers of the Rally provided answers via email exchanges. They noted, “The committee is affiliated with our neighbors at Indivisible High Country. Our event is also sponsored by Roots of Unity and the Concerned Citizens of Caldwell County.”

The group was formed last year in response to rallies held throughout the United States to oppose the authoritarian policies and practices of the Trump Administration. Members shared, “Last year we formed a committee to plan the first No Kings rally held in downtown Lenoir. Members are Republicans, Democrats, and Unaffiliated voters, people of various religious denominations, secular groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds.”

They added, “The group’s common ground is concern for the direction of our country and its leadership. It is committed to nonviolent organizing, protection of citizen’s rights, ensuring the future of our country’s democracy, as well as adherence to its constitution.”

According to those involved, “Its overall objective is to present a communal way of educating residents regarding the actions related to the dismantling of our government, exposing the power grab of the president, and how he, his associates, and many billionaires are pillaging our country for their own benefit – not for the citizens of our country.”

They noted, “Although Caldwell County is known as a “red” or Republican County, many of its residents do not agree with the direction of this administration and what its leaders have already done to our government. Through this committee and the association No Kings rallies, locals are given an opportunity to meet with other like-minded neighbors. It is important for local residents to realize there are many others that think as they do, as well as foster relationships that want to see a positive change at the local, state, and federal level.”

Organizers added, “The committee is addressing concerns that it and local residents have regarding the future of our Country. Many are horrified that our Nation seems to have lost its moral compass and the core tenets of who we are as a Country.”

They continued, “As a committee, we recognize that the United States has always been known as a compassionate and caring country, not just for its own citizens but those in other countries that are not as fortunate. Eliminating USAID doesn’t reflect who we are as a country. The richest nation in the world can share a portion of its wealth to ensure others are able to meet their basic human needs.”  

Furthermore, they said, “The elimination of Truth in our governance is also horrific. Most people have been taught that truth and integrity are core characteristics of being a contributing member of society. 

We recognize that we were once known as the Greatest Country in the world. We are now seen world over as a country that cannot be trusted – who has lost its way. We have always been governed by the belief that all citizens have equal rights and are treated equally under the eyes of the law– not based on color, sex, or privilege.” 

A call to action has been issued by the committee. “We will encourage voting in the November midterms. One vote is worth more that a 1,000 shouts. Voting and having your voice heard, and your vote count in the midterms will be addressed.”

The issues that Indivisible Caldwell County have identified as emergent include:

Economic Justice – Fairness for every worker. People cannot get ahead when our minimum wage is still below $8.00 and the cost of everyday expenses is going up. There’s not enough affordable housing. Parents can’t afford daycare – even if there’s a facility available with openings. Young adults cannot afford college. 

Healthcare for All – Compassion for the sick. Medicaid has been taken away for many. Others can no longer afford the Affordable Care Act (ACA). People are going without adequate healthcare and not getting the help they need. Seniors are especially vulnerable. 

Racial Justice – Equality for every neighbor. Black and brown people are being targeted. The tactics to the immigration issue by the Administration, which includes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CPB) – need to be reformed.

Voting Rights – Defending the voice of the people. The Safeguard Americans Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) act will keep people who legally have the right to vote from voting. This is all based on fear of the Republicans losing the midterms and has nothing to do with very rare voter fraud. It is also designed to weaken women and minorities from voting and having a voice in who our elected officials are and the direction of our country. Mail in ballots should be protected, too

Organizers noted, “The core message of the committee, as well as other No Kings groups, is to emphasize that the United States is a Democratic Republic governed by a Constitution, not a monarchy; and, that power fundamentally belongs to the people, not a single leader.”

They continued, “National outreach organizers aim to mobilize citizens in nonviolent demonstrations through peaceful rallies, events, and marches designed to amplify the message that power remains with the people and not from a single leader or its Administration. The Committee and its members agree with this message. It’s important for  residents to have a local place to gather and participate in being a part of spreading this message.”

The Committee insisted, “We must stand united, let our voices be heard and not give up hope that things can change for the better, for the everyday person who this Administration has harmed. And that we can do it through love, not hate and violence. We must come together.”

The entire square will be blocked off from approximately from 2 to 6 p.m. Safety marshals and first aid stations will be available. Organizers have hired two extra police officers to cover the event. The Lenoir Police Department will also assist in everyone’s safety. 

Organizers pointed out, “While various groups are supporting this event, the event is non-partisan. The organizers have rented the stage. The People are the Fourth Branch of the National government…in case any of the three branches fail.”

In another call to action, the Committee shared, “We encourage attendees to have positive signs/posters and not focus on specific parties or office holders. This is an important event to us; however, we also want it to be a joyous one that focuses on positive change for the country.”

© Michael M. Barrick, 2026. Dawn Cannon, Dinell Clark and Tony Deal contributed the comments to this article on behalf of Indivisible Caldwell County.