Stand Up Alaska: Behind the scenes of No Kings 3.0

On  March 28, Stand Up Alaska — or SUA — hosted the third No Kings protest in Town Square Park in Anchorage. No Kings is a protest centered around people advocating for equality and safety. 

The Northern Light spoke with Executive Director of SUA Erin Jackson-Hill to learn more about the protest. 

According to Jackson-Hill, five to six thousand people were in attendance, along with volunteers who set up the protest. 

She said the protest took six weeks to plan altogether. 

Jackson-Hill said SUA worked with local law enforcement to stop any potential violence. The Anchorage Police Department was also on scene due to the road closure. 

Jackson-Hill said it was confirmed that no U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — or ICE — were seen. She said that SUA had  protocols in place if ICE agents were present. 

However, to those who have concerns about ICE, Jackson-Hill said “do not come.” 

She said others protested on behalf of people who couldn't attend safely, and that it is not worth the stress for those individuals. 

According to Jackson-Hill, the original goal of SUA was to recall Governor Mike Dunleavy. This was done via protests, calls to lawmakers and appearances at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. 

While he was not recalled, Jackson-Hill said that it was not a loss. 

“It was a fight worth waging,” she said. Every fight is a step, not all of them go how we want, but we take the victories where we can.” 

She added that Dunleavy rolled back several of his policies due to political pressure from the recall. 

Partnered with Mat-Su United for Progress — an activist organization —  SUA is able to provide civic information to hard-to-reach communities, according to Jackson-Hill. 

Working across Alaska and in Washington D.C., SUA fights to build a community, unifying people under common issues. There are plans to work with local colleges; however, nothing is set in stone.