Activists join in on the “No Kings” protest at downtown Tupelo
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Thousands of people across the country joined in protests today against the policies of the Trump administration.
Dubbed the “No Kings” protest, the demonstrations are largely aimed at the president’s use of executive orders to cut and even dismantle agencies and government departments, and his bypassing the legislative branch.
One of those protests was in Tupelo.
Residents from across North Mississippi converged in Tupelo to make their voices heard.
It was one of several cities holding rallies, and demonstrators want to make sure their representatives in Washington are listening.
Protesters raised their voices and their signs in Tupelo, hoping to be loud enough to be heard by those who represent them in Jackson and Washington.
“We are sending the message that the United States has no kings, no crowns, and no thrones,” Teresa Roberts said. “We are a lawful nation, and we want the law restored in our nation.”
Across the U.S., there were more than 2,000 “No Kings” rallies.
The Indivisible Northeast Mississippi group organized the Tupelo protest as part of the nationwide movement.
One of the event coordinators, Teresa Roberts, said the protest encourages a welcoming environment.
“We want people to know that it is somewhere to come to express themselves, to be seen, and it is safe, to be with people that think like you, who believe like you, love America, who love freedom and want to protect democracy,” Roberts said.
Protesters joined in sing-alongs, slogans and speeches.
Activist Jamie Rebentisch said the purpose of the rally is to inspire and support the community.
“It really gives me courage; it gives me the power to keep going to keep going forward,” Rebentisch said.
Those involved said this protest is only the beginning of fulfilling their mission.
“It doesn’t end here today,” Roberts said. “We are sending a message to people that we have got to get out and we got to vote. We got to put people in office that are concerned about the citizens, not just about their welfare, that’s the message we are sending. It doesn’t stop here today, we got to get out, vote and put the right people in office.”
“We do not want to give Trump any reason for bringing his tanks in, for picking up people off the streets, for throwing tear gas, for any of that stuff,” Rebentisch said. “This is a fun peaceful protest.”
Other “No Kings” protests were held in cities like Starkville, Oxford and at the state capital in Jackson.
Organizers said they are committed to keeping the protests peaceful.
