Civil Rights Veteran, Recovering from Cancer Surgery, to Join ‘No Kings’ Protest in Chicago

James Phipps, a 75-year-old civil rights activist recovering from colon cancer surgery, plans to attend Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration in Chicago, underscoring a continued commitment to social justice that spans decades.

Phipps, originally from Marks, Mississippi, became involved in the civil rights movement at age 13, participating in the integration of his local high school and working with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He later joined the Mississippi Freedom Labor Union (MFLU) at 15, organizing cotton pickers who were earning as little as 30 cents an hour. “They were paid 30 cents an hour, working in the hot sun, 10 hours a day, which was $3, two and half cents per pound of cotton,” Phipps recalled. “It broke their necks, backs, pelvis and knees.” He emphasized the lack of healthcare access for these workers, a concern that resonates with him today as the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies threatens coverage for millions of Americans.

Currently working in administrative support for Cook County and a member of SEIU Local 73, Phipps expressed gratitude for his own health insurance coverage following his recent surgery. He also voiced alarm over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Chicago, drawing parallels to the discriminatory laws he faced growing up in Mississippi. “There’s no reason why you should walk the streets, taking people out of their home, and they’ve been here for 20 or 30 years,” Phipps stated, recalling decades-long friendships with Mexican neighbors. The “No Kings” protests are occurring amidst a federal government shutdown stemming from disagreements over Medicaid cuts and healthcare funding.

Organized by labor unions including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers, the “No Kings” demonstrations are planned in all 50 states, reflecting widespread frustration with perceived abuses of power. As Jaime Contreras, executive vice-president for SEIU 32 BJ, stated, “The real threat to this country isn’t peaceful protesters. It’s politicians shutting down our government to protect billionaires.” Officials anticipate continued demonstrations as long as the government remains closed and healthcare access remains at risk.