7 Anti-Trump protests on in MS, including Gulfport. See when, where
This Saturday, June 14, Mississippians will join millions of Americans in a coordinated protest called “No Kings,” a nationwide day of defiance against what organizers see as governmental overreach.
The demonstrations are timed to counter President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., which coincides with his 79th birthday, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and Flag Day, says PBS News.
The No Kings organization is using the date as a symbol “to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Why are people protesting in Mississippi?
The momentum gained for Saturday’s demonstrations is mostly fueled by frustration over the Trump administration’s response to protests in Los Angeles as Reuters reports.
The recent decision to deploy the National Guard, and possibly the Marines, against the wishes of state officials has raised the stakes for some Americans.
Organizers say the $45 million protest symbolizes a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. “In America, we don’t do kings,” reads the official No Kings website. “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services.”
The protests are being led by a coalition of progressive groups, including Black Votes Matter, the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and labor and teacher unions.
How can I find a protest in Mississippi?
The No Kings website reports seven cities in Mississippi will participate in the demonstrations:
Hernando: DeSoto County Courthouse – 3 p.m.
Oxford: Oxford City Hall – 11 a.m.
Tupelo: In front of Congressman Trent Kelly’s office – 11:30 a.m.
Starkville: The Hub – 12 p.m.
Jackson: State Capitol – 12 p.m.
Hattiesburg: Hattiesburg City Hall – 11 a.m.
Gulfport: Federal Courthouse – 9 a.m.
Organizers are encouraging nonviolent action and ask all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation and to act lawfully at these events. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events,” the No Kings organizers state.
Newsweek reports that the “No Kings” movement is expected to be the largest mobilization against the Trump administration since he took office with more than 1,800 protests scheduled across the country.
If you plan to protest this weekend, be sure to know your rights, stay safe and comply with law enforcement.
If you’d like to share your story with me, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
