Micah Gibbs

Americans gathered across the country Saturday for the “No Kings” Day protest, voicing opposition to the current presidential administration and its policies. Approximately 2,000 protests and rallies were held nationwide, including one in downtown Hattiesburg.
Dozens of demonstrators assembled outside City Hall in Hattiesburg, carrying signs and wearing shirts to express their dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s actions.
Protester Jeanne Gillispie said the demonstration was about unity and standing against hate.
“It helps us be out together with the people that are here,” Gillispie said. “Every time we have a protest there’s three or four times as many people as the last one. It’s about standing up for ourselves, standing up for our friends, standing up for our neighbors. It’s about being together, community and making sure that the hate is over.”
According to NPR, more than 200 organizations participated in the nationwide protest, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Federation of Teachers and the Communications Workers of America.
Protester Chole Dobbins urged continued engagement.
“If you can show out and keep fighting,” Dobbins said.
The nationwide protest took place on the same day as a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by the Trump administration. The idea for the parade was initially proposed during Trump’s first term but was previously canceled due to cost concerns. The event is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million and includes 6,000 Army soldiers, 49 aircraft, 128 vehicles and 25 horses.