Protesters unite in Macon and Warner Robins for “No Kings” Rally
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –
Despite bracing hot temperatures and a downpour of rain, hundreds gathered in downtown Macon and Warner Robins for the “No Kings” rally on Saturday. Protestors united to rally against the Trump administration’s controversial policies. In downtown Macon crowds chanted and cheered, with vehicles passing by honking in support.
The atmosphere was filled with energy as protesters rallied together, determined to make their voices heard. One protester emphasized the importance of empowerment for everyone, saying, “We need to let the people who feel unsafe know that they are seen and that they are empowered, that every single person in this nation, regardless of their status, regardless of their gender, is important.” Another stated “Lots of people care. It’s important and it matters.”
Mother and daughter Katie and Jamie Whewell, gathered at Perkins Park in Warner Robins. Jamie noted that regardless of the storm, she had to make her voice heard for those that can’t. She said, “The weather outside is kind of a reflection of what’s happening right now in the country. We have to band together and brave the storm out here and brave the storm and what’s happening within our government right now. Yeah, it’s raining. We’re getting wet, but that’s a small price to pay for standing up and making our voices heard.”
Jamie, a proud daughter and wife of military veterans, made it clear that their protest stemmed from her love for the country. She said, “We are good Americans. We do love our country, but we do not abide with what the current administration is doing in this country.”
The rally saw participation from individuals of all ages and backgrounds, standing in solidarity for the LGBTQ community, women’s rights, and immigration reform. Protester Carlos Montoya stated, “Whether you’re Hispanic, whether you’re Chinese, Japanese, you know, a lot of people are getting deported, and I want to be here to be the voice for those people.”
Carlos Montoya expressed disappointment in the president’s immigration policies, stating, “The president did back out on his word, saying that if you have no felons and if you have not committed a crime, even if you are illegal, you will be given that chance and he has not given that chance.”
Barnard Sims, known as Barnard the Barber and author of “The Southern Awakening: A Black Man’s Guide to Liberating the Rural South”, spoke at the rally in Macon. He urged everyone not to become complacent. He said, “We need to stay connected. We don’t need to wait until George Floyd happens, or some tragedy happens to be activated. We need to stay activated, because if we stay ready, we will have to get ready to overcome an oppressive regime like we have here in America.”
