Citizen Action: No Kings Day, March 28, along York Road, Baltimore and Towson; food donations sought

I received this notice about an upcoming No Kings Day event on the north side of Baltimore. Passing it along:

On March 28, 12 noon to 1:30 pm, Marylanders will join together for York Road Free Speech Miles, a peaceful multi-mile sign-wave running along York Road from the county line through the 21212, 21204, and 21286 zip codes. York Road Free Speech Miles is organized by Indivisible Baltimore County; it is one of thousands of non-violent protest events planned to take place all over the country on March 28, dubbed “No Kings Day.”

County-wide residents will join with neighbors, friends, and students to stand along sidewalks holding signs that demonstrate support for democratic values, civic engagement, and community connection. Along the route, there will be three “soapboxes” for neighbors of all ages to speak, read, sing, chant, or share their thoughts on civic participation, democracy, and community care. This provides a platform for anyone in the community to have a voice.

In addition, the event will feature multiple donation drop-off points to collect food and essential household items for local families and students facing food insecurity. Donations will benefit GEDCO Cares Food Pantry, Baltimore County Student Support Network, and individuals in need across Baltimore County and Baltimore City. Most desired items: canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and peanut butter; shelf-stable milk; hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, period products); diapers and wipes. (See map of donation drop-off locations.)

York Road Free Speech Miles takes place in Towson, the county seat of Baltimore County and home to major universities and hospitals, including Towson University, Goucher College, the University of Maryland St. Joseph Hospital, and General Baltimore Medical Center.

Organizers emphasize that the gathering will follow the lead of Indivisible National. Plan for a peaceful, community-centered event focused on democratic values, activating political participation and helping neighbors in need. “Getting to know neighbors, sharing our perspectives, and taking care of one another is the foundation of a healthy community. The York Road Free Speech Miles will bring people together to build networks to protect democracy, support neighbors in need, and ensure every voice—young or old—can be heard,” said Amanda Konradi, event organizer.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event. Event organizers are available for interviews before the event and day-of. 

York Road Free Speech Miles is organized by the community of activists that comprise Indivisible Baltimore County, one of more than 2,000 local, volunteer-led pro-democracy groups in urban, suburban, and rural communities in all 50 states. York Road Free Speech Miles is one of thousands of non-violent protest events planned to take place all over the country on March 28, aka “No Kings Day.” 

For more information about Indivisible Baltimore County, visit https://www.indivisible-baltimorecounty.org/. For more information about No Kings Day, visit https://www.nokings.org/.

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