Letter to the editor - April 1, 2026

Hundreds of locals join nationwide No Kings protest

Thank you to more than the 450 volunteers who showed up to participate in the March 28th NO KINGS III peaceful protest in Brookings against the current Trump Administration Chaos and unlawfulness. It is essential that we continue to show up to Preserve Democracy as established in our Constitution 250 years ago.

The speakers — Dr. Bob Burns, John Williams, Brenda Andersen, Mayor Ope Niemeyer, Nara Svec — and Rev. Mark Johnsen so eloquently underscored the importance of truth (honesty), ethics, and justice to support Democracy in America.

We were part of a larger movement—over 3200 protest sites across the country organized by local Indivisible groups for a total of more than 8 million concerned citizens standing up for Democracy.

Brookings Area Indivisible is a non-partisan, volunteer organization dedicated to preserving democracy, promoting education, respect, decency, science and truth. We aim to increase civic engagement and education on progressive policies at the city, state and national level through events that spotlight issues and candidates who support the values of fairness, ethical decision-making, and respect for all humanity.

Indivisible is a national movement that was formed in 2016. The Brookings area chapter began consultation with the Sioux Falls Chapter and formed a local chapter in March 2025, again for non-partisan volunteers to Defend and Preserve Democracy by Direct Action.

Roberta Olson
Member, Brookings Area Indivisible