‘No Kings’ protest in Macon calls for freedom in fear of ‘losing democracy’

A peaceful “No Kings” protest of hundreds of people voiced their support for democracy and opposed President Donald Trump’s authoritarian actions in downtown Macon Saturday morning.

The event was one of about 30 “No Kings” rallies held in Georgia, and about 2,000 across the United States Saturday. The protests coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday, a large military parade expected to cost $25 million to $45 million to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and Flag Day.

A range of local protesters agreed that Trump has abused his presidential duties. Activists challenged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s mass deportations, Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines in response to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, a slew of anti-transgender legislation in Georgia and nationwide, and federal budget cuts ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Veterans, immigrants, queer people, youth, elders, religious leaders and other activists stood on the median of Poplar Street from 10 a.m. to noon, as vehicles honked, chants clamored and signs waved high. The rally was organized by Macon Rising, a political advocacy group.

“When the goal of national leaders is to spread fear and confusion with constant action and distraction… What can one person do against all of that? Well, we’re not just one person,” said Elizabeth Lott, co-founder of Macon Rising.

The demonstration was peaceful and did not block traffic. A few counter-protesters bearing Make America Great Again flags attended the gathering.

No arrests or violent incidents happened, according to Dep. Alexis Mitchell-White of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

“We need to be peaceful if we want to be heard,” Lott told the crowd within seconds of starting the rally.

A flash mob of performing artists led by J.P. Haynie, artistic director of Macon Little Theatre, belted out the song, “Do You Hear the People Sing” from “Les Misérables.” This came days after actors in a touring production of the musical boycotted a show attended by Trump.

Activists also led speeches on a small stage and shouted mantras such as, “no human is illegal,” “no justice, no peace,” “due process for all,” and “hands off our neighbors.”

Veteran against Trump

Only a handful of attendees were people of color, including Vinnie and Alvin Dupree, who were disappointed but not surprised.

“Lets just be honest, in our community there’s a ‘We can’t do anything about it,’ attitude, so why bother,” Vinnie Dupree said.

Her husband, Alvin Dupree, is a veteran who began serving in 1974, and protested to express a decline in Veterans Affairs services since Trump took office.

“We are watching the things he’s trying to do to America,” Alvin Dupree said. “He’s digging into benefits.”

Vinnie Dupree said she noticed a decline in service and staffing at VA Dublin Health Care in Dublin, after over 600 VA contracts were canceled in connection with the Department of Government Efficiency’s work, ProPublica reported.

“The difference between last year and this year is horrendous,” Vinnie Dupree said. “The workforce is just demoralized, and we can trace that right back to DOGE.”

Religious leader wants peace

Steven Pavignano, a Franciscan friar and pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Macon, wore his brown habit and rope belt to the protest to show solidarity with peace and humanity, he said.

“I’m afraid we’re losing democracy, that’s my primary concern,” Pavignano, 74, said. “We need to treat people as our brothers and sisters, and I don’t see that happening right now.”

He noticed his congregation has been politically divided. Regardless of their political beliefs, Pavignano said they should follow the Gospel, which encourages peace.

“I preach the Gospel, and sometimes that makes people uncomfortable,” Pavignano said. “They would like our religion to be something that confirms what they want to believe, and that’s not always true.”

Pavignano, who grew up in New Jersey and has attended protests since the 1960s, said he believes everyone should have the right to demonstrate their freedom of speech.

“We have a right of public assembly, and I take advantage of my Constitutional right to assembly, speak peacefully,” he said.

Nonbinary Mexican immigrant for freedom

Van Bixler, a Mexican immigrant, wore an LGBTQ+-themed shirt and their grandfather’s “Don’t Tread on Me” hat to show how people of different political backgrounds should all be in favor of democracy, freedom and peace – principles usually supported by both conservatives and progressives.

“I don’t think anybody should be deported to internment camps… I think that it’s torture,” the 24-year-old said.

Bixler identifies as nonbinary, and said they were scared about restrictions and a lack of protections for trans people.

Macon-Bibb County does not have a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance. Other protesters called on Mayor Lester Miller and commissioners to create one that protects LGBTQ+ people in the workplace as well as in public and private spaces.

Other human rights will soon be ripped away from those who reject Trump’s beliefs, Bixler said.

“No matter what kind of person you are, if you really think about it, you’re going to end up at the same point that I am,” they said.

Police presence

A handful of counter-protesters waved Make America Great Again flags, and yelled at others, sometimes inches away from their faces.

A small nonviolent confrontation occurred when a counter-protester waved a pro-Trump flag in someone’s face and appeared to corner them as they argued.

“The wind blew somebody’s flag, and it was an unintentional confrontation but ... there certainly wasn’t any kind of violence,” Sheriff David Davis said, minutes afterward.

Lt. Darius Inzar led the counter-protester to the sidewalk across the street and told him to stay away from the crowd.

“You cross the street and cause a disturbance, you’re going to get a bond,” the man was told by Inzar, who had handcuffs in his hand.

Around 10 sheriff’s deputies patrolled the event. Organizers had filed a permit to protest.

“It doesn’t mean we’re expecting something violent…,” Cpl. Craig Lewis said. “We believe that everybody has a right to protest.”

This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 5:29 PM.