News Summary
The ‘No Kings’ Day of Defiance protest took place in Gulfport, Mississippi, gathering over 500 participants who marched peacefully against the Trump administration. Organized by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mutual Aid Collective, the event, part of a nationwide series of demonstrations, focused on opposing authoritarianism and advocating for civil rights. The protest coincided with significant dates, including Trump’s birthday, and highlighted concerns over government policies such as mass deportations and the targeting of marginalized communities.
Gulfport, Mississippi hosted the “No Kings” Day of Defiance protest on Saturday, June 14, as part of a nationwide series of demonstrations opposing the Trump administration. Participants began their march at the Gulfport Federal Courthouse lawn at 9 a.m. and concluded at Jones Park by 11 a.m. The protest was marked by a peaceful atmosphere, with attendees expressing their constitutional right to demonstrate. The event attracted over 500 individuals who marched along the tramway bridge and held signs along Highway 90, voicing their concerns about democracy and government policies.
The “No Kings” protests, which spread across the United States, were organized by various groups opposing what they view as increasing authoritarianism under the Trump administration. The timing of the Gulfport protest coincided with President Trump’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, adding significance to the event. Demonstrators articulated their opposition to Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., which was intended to showcase military strength.
Organized by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mutual Aid Collective, a facet of the Mississippi Rising Coalition, the Gulfport protest was part of a broader agenda that included nearly 2,000 protests across the country. Other demonstrations were scheduled in several Mississippi cities, including Hattiesburg, Jackson, Starkville, and Oxford. The focus of the Gulfport gathering was on issues such as mass deportations, heightened police powers, and the targeting of marginalized communities, which protesters argued had worsened under the current administration.
The protest featured speeches that emphasized the rejection of fascism and the affirmation of rights for marginalized populations, along with signs highlighting opposition to fascism and the rallying cry “Power to People.” The atmosphere of support and solidarity among participants was notable, as they engaged in conversations about democracy and the importance of civil rights.
Participation from a small group of counterprotesters, some waving American flags in support of President Trump, juxtaposed the larger gathering. These individuals voiced their approval of Trump’s immigration policies and their stance against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Despite these opposing views, law enforcement maintained a low-key presence throughout the event, ensuring public safety while respecting the right to peaceful assembly.
The protests were also a response to specific actions taken by the Trump administration, such as federal immigration enforcement raids and the deployment of National Guard troops at the southern border, activities that have raised widespread concern among various community groups. Organizers highlighted that the protest aimed not only to address immediate grievances but also to catalyze a long-term movement for change.
As the “No Kings” Day of Defiance unfolded in Gulfport, it showcased a community’s commitment to advocating for civil rights and democracy in a time perceived as perilous for these values. The peaceful nature of the protest underlined the power of collective action in expressing dissent and calling for accountability from elected leaders.
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Additional Resources
- WLOX: MS Fights Fascism – No Kings Protest Marches Through Gulfport
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- NY Times: Protests Cities – No Kings
- Google Search: No Kings protests June 2025
- Clarion Ledger: No Kings Day – Where and When
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- WDAM: Crowd Gathers Downtown Hattiesburg – No Kings Protest
- Sun Herald: No Kings Protest Coverage
