JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Labor Day, millions of Americans nationwide participated in demonstrations addressing economic inequality, including numerous individuals who gathered at the entrances of the St. Johns Town Center to amplify their voices.

The Jacksonville protest was a segment of the larger “Workers Over Billionaires” movement, a concerted effort to draw attention to what participants identify as the expanding divide between affluent elites and working families.

This peaceful event saw no reported counterprotests. Demonstrators primarily gathered near the Barnes & Noble entrance of the Town Center, holding signs, playing music, and chanting to the passing traffic. Many drivers honked in solidarity as the protest continued for several hours.

Organizers from the 50-51 Jacksonville activist group explained that their objective wasn’t to reach political elites, but rather to connect with other working-class individuals who feel marginalized.

Protesters came from across Northeast Florida — retirees, parents, students, veterans, and performers — each with their own reason for showing up.

John Smith of St. Augustine said he worries about what he sees as a massive shift of wealth away from everyday Americans.

“It’s about the transfer of wealth from our middle class to the very, very rich,” Smith said.

Michael Porcase, 69, echoed the concern.

“They took the fortune and moved on while people like the rest of us have to work the rest of our lives,” he said.

Others spoke about unity and democracy, such as Navy veteran Theresa Melton. Melton had joined the protest with other military families.

“It’s good to know even as Americans, even though we’re divided, we can still come together,” said Melton.

For some participants, spending the holiday protesting seemed like the sole avenue. Adrian Killian, 17, depicted the demonstration as a protest against unchecked authority.

“We’re here to oppose the rise of totalitarianism in the United States,” remarked the young activist. “It’s truly alarming how much power our current president has accumulated, disrupting the system of checks and balances.”

Organizer Jess Boaz said the point of the event was to channel that frustration into collective action in a call out to the working class.

“We’re trying to get them on board, have them help join our community and fight for what we deserve,” Boaz said.

The Jacksonville rally was one of nearly a thousand similar demonstrations held nationwide over the holiday weekend. The coordinated actions targeted economic inequality, labor rights, and what activists describe as the outsized influence of billionaires in politics.