Demonstrators gather at the Carrboro Century Center as they arrive after the march from Franklin Street. (Henry Taylor/Chapel Hill Media Group)
On Saturday, June 14, hundreds of Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents held their very own “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump’s administration, joining towns and cities across the nation.
The demonstrations were held on the same day as Trump’s military parade celebrating 250 years of the American Army, which just so happens to coincide with his 79th birthday. Protesters first gathered at the Peace and Justice Plaza on Franklin Street to rally and listen to speakers. They then made their way down the road and ended up at the Carrboro Century Center. They carried homemade signs with messages and art, chanted as they made their way down the street, and cheered as speakers delivered impassioned remarks.
Emil Malizia is the director of the UNC Institute for Economic Development and a professor in the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning. He stressed the importance of events like the No Kings protest in the midst of America’s current political turmoil.
“It seems like if you don’t come out today, you’re not really doing anything to resist,” he said. “We got a very dedicated fascist. I mean, the guy is demented.”
The No Kings protest was far from Malizia’s first rodeo.
“I was pretty big into the anti-war movement back when I was young,” he said. “Here [in Chapel Hill] in 1968, 1969. That was a lot more focused on a narrow issue. This is just people being outraged for a variety of reasons. So I think it has a very different feel, you know.”
He encouraged those who couldn’t make it Saturday to show up next time.
“There’s going to be many opportunities,” he said. “We meet in Chapel Hill every Saturday at four in front of the post office.”
Another group of demonstrators across from the Carrboro Century Center. (Henry Taylor/Chapel Hill Media Group)
Lindsay Porter, is a teacher at Montessori Community School. She said that while she was pleased with Saturday’s turnout, she hopes it’s just the start.
“I think the question is, where do we go from here? Marches are fun, but the work has to be done day to day.”
She encouraged those who want to do more to get in contact with representatives.
“What actually has a chance? It might be a small chance, but a chance of getting through to our representatives is showing that there is actually a constituency for these ideas. And the most effective way to do that is phone calls. Emails are not as effective. Signing petitions basically goes into a black hole. But calling, leaving a voicemail, it does get tallied.”
A collection of signs used by demonstrators. (Henry Taylor/Chapel Hill Media Group)
Leah Metcalf, a UNC doctoral candidate, said although she was happy with the turnout, there was something she couldn’t help but notice.
“I think it’s very telling that there are mostly white people here,” she said. “People feel very unsafe who are in minoritized groups.”
She said that the most important thing for people with privilege to do is to use that privilege for those who lack it.
“Latino organizations are hurting very badly, and they desperately need white citizens to reach out to them. They are begging people for their physical solidarity. So after this march, if you’re looking for things to do, please take the time.”
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