Protesters filled the streets, their signs held high and chants echoing as they made their way from the Friendship Fountain to the Duval County Courthouse.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The No Kings rallies, now in their third wave, sparked demonstrations in city centers nationwide.
Among these cities was Jacksonville, where participants marched just over a mile, starting at the Friendship Fountain and ending at the Duval County Courthouse.
The journey proved to be more challenging for some demonstrators than others.
“We just wanted to be out here spreading love and kindness,” remarked Candi Pritchard, who donned a whimsical inflatable unicorn costume.
Candi Pritchard and Robin Schuster were certainly a notable presence in Jacksonville’s No Kings gathering as the procession moved from Southbank through to the heart of downtown.
“We are ready for an adventure, but we do think we’ll be able to make it,” said Schuster.
The weather wasn’t exactly helping them complete their trek, but they felt compelled to stay in the unicorn costumes from start to finish.
“It’s obviously a nod to Portland and the non-violence, but unicorns represent unity, inclusion and love,” said Schuster.
Although the rough weather may have limited the amount of fellow blow up animals in the crowd, the pair was happy to see so many folks turn out who feel the same way they do about the way the country is heading.
“More and more people are realizing, ‘We’ve got to stand up, and we’ve got to make some changes,’” said Pritchard.
Not everyone shares that sentiment, as U.S. Representative Dean Black reacted to the No Kings Day protests, saying in a statement:
“While I respect anyone’s right to protest peacefully, what we’re seeing from far-left activists and their allies in DC is a coordinated effort to divide our community and push a radical, far-left agenda. Many of the people protesting today are the same ones who were silent during Biden’s open border chaos, economic weakness, and decline on the world stage – their hypocrisy knows no bounds!”
Once they finished the march, protestors were greeted by speakers from a slew of activist groups and tables set up for people to get involved in causes they’re passionate about.
“We’re just trying to make sure people are safe, people are having a good time, staying safe and making sure we protect and stand up for our right for free speech and our right for protest,” said Gav while getting ready to start the march.
Pritchard and Schuster intend to keep showing up for more No Kings Day in outfits they feel symbolize equality.
“It’s growing because the frustrations and the things we don’t align to keep growing as well,” said Schuster.
An organizer mentioned the No Kings group at the national level is looking at doing quarterly protests, so they said we can expect to see a No Kings 4 soon.
