As thousands of U.S. troops and their tanks and armored vehicles will make their way down the streets of Washington, D.C., on June 14 for a parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, protesters in Jacksonville and across the nation are taking to the streets of their communities to rally against President Donald Trump, who will celebrate his 79th birthday the same day.
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” the movement’s website says. Adding, “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
And that includes Florida.
Of more than 70 “No Kings” protests scheduled across Florida on June 14, at least four are planned for the Jacksonville area.
Happening now: Watch live coverage of ‘No Kings’ protests across the United States
Today in Jacksonville: Watch ‘No Kings’ protests at Beach Blvd. and Duval County Courthouse
See photos from ‘No Kings’ protests in Jacksonville
Where are the ‘No Kings’ protests happening in Jacksonville this Saturday?
The “No Kings” protest in Jacksonville will take place at four locations across the greater Jacksonville area on Saturday. The first demonstration will begin with a 90-minute protest at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard, followed by a second protest at the Duval County Courthouse, located at 501 W. Adams Street. Two additional protests will be held in Orange Park and St. Johns County, both starting at 10 a.m. and concluding by noon.
Organizers say the protests are a stand against authoritarianism, promoting the message: “In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings,” and rallying behind the slogan, “No thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The protests are all intended to be peaceful, in line with the values of the 50501 movement. Organizers emphasize on their website that all events are rooted in nonviolence and ask every participant to commit to peaceful action and de-escalation, even in the face of opposition. The website also advises against bringing weapons into the protest.
Who are the organizers behind the ‘No Kings’ protests?
Indivisible is partnering with 50501 and dozens of other advocacy groups to promote the anti-Trump movement nationwide.
Indivisible, a grassroots political activism group focused on progressive causes, was founded in response to Trump’s 2016 presidential election. The network has branched into a statewide network of groups, including over 75 in Florida.
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative formed on Reddit under the hashtag #50501 in the early days of Trump’s second inauguration. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement.
When and where is the June 14 DC military parade?
For those wanting to watch the military parade, the D.C. military procession will take place on Saturday, June 14, spanning six blocks through the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, and highlights from the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, including the parade, will be live-streamed on all U.S. Army social media platforms.
Anti Trump protests near me; see FL ‘No Kings’ protests by city list
According to the No Kings website, over 75 protests (including multiple in the same city) are planned across Florida as of June 10:
➤ Find an event near you
What to know before attending any protests in Florida
Human Rights Campaign has tips for those participating in a peaceful protest to help ensure their safety and well-being:
This story was updated to add a video.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: ‘No Kings Day’ in Jacksonville: See live coverage from national day of defiance
Reporting by Gary T. Mills, Doris Alvarez Cea and C. A. Bridges, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
