- About 4,000 people protested at Cora Roberson Park in Gainesville to oppose President Trump's war, economy, and immigration policies during the "No Kings III" rally.
- The rally was part of over 3,100 nationwide events, with local speakers including university lecturers, former commissioners, and NAACP leaders.
- Local elected officials and Democratic candidates addressed the crowd, and the event was sponsored by groups like Gainesville Women for Democracy and Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Thousands of protesters gathered at Cora Roberson Park in Gainesville on Saturday for the nationwide “No Kings III” rally to protest President Donald Trump and his policies.
The rally, one of over 100 in Florida and 3,100 across the country, started with people marching from the Cade Museum roundabout to Cora Roberson Park. A coalition of groups joined with signs, costumes and noise makers to protest the Trump administration’s war in Iran, the economy and immigration policy.
According to a press release, the event drew around 4,000 people and the keynote speakers included Warren Goldstein, an award-winning author and former Chair of the Department of History at the University of Hartford, and Zorhara Simmons, Senior Lecturer Erimita at the University of Florida, and an activist who worked in the Civil Rights Movement as a member of Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee.
Other local speakers included David Arreola, former Gainesville City Commissioner and founding member of Gainesville 50501; Carmen Ward, President of the Alachua County Education Association; and Evelyn Foxx, President of the Alachua County Chapter of the NAACP.
Local elected officials and candidates who attended:
- Sarah Rockwell, Alachua County School Board
- Casey Willits, Gainesville City Commissioner
- Bryan Eastman, Gainesville City Commissioner
- Ken Cornell, Alachua County Commissioner
- Seth Harp, Democratic candidate for US House District 3
- Amy Trask, Democratic candidate for Florida State House District 22
The sponsors of the rally included the Gainesville Women for Democracy, Badass Feminists Gainesville, Democratic Women’s Club of Alachua County, 50501gnv, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Indivisible Gainesville and others.
The first “No Kings” event was held on June 14. Gainesville residents held a similar, smaller rally in February at the corner of Main Street and University Avenue. A “Tesla Takedown” rally followed in March, along with others in April and May, including the “International Workers’ Day” rally. In July, a group gathered on West Newberry Road in front of Oaks Mall. The second “No Kings” rally was held on Oct. 18.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with additional information and who addressed the crowd.
Suggested Articles
No related articles found.
We need a No Congress rally, when is that? Not these Antifa retreads.
What is more tired and worn out than the antifa hoax?
The sad pieces of trash thinking antifa is anything but an adjective for NOT A NAZI
No Kings III, as noted in the picture description, was indeed jubilant event with all ages, colors, genders and other descriptions attending. The speakers were great, the music was in tune with the purpose of the protest. Thanks to the many helping hands, including all the UF students who took charge of safety, for the thoughtful planning to make this meaningful and fun.
Got an idea for a different kind of event! Take the lead and plan it!
How about an event with people who love America, who came to America legally, who have fought for America? How about no financial support (or taxpayer money) for people here ILLEGALLY, who have committed crimes against in America? How about a event that celebrates Protecting FEMALE (the gender other than MALE) and not letting MALES compete versus FEMALES in sports?
How about an event against any anti Democracy/Republic group (Russian or Chinese Government, Mexican Cartel, Socialists, Communists, Sharia Law) who want to destroy America?
I know, why don’t you move to Iran and see how your marching is dealt with there?
Why not plan it and lead it? Because real Americans don’t riot, burn down buildings, loot stores, attack police (No, 6 January was funded and supported by Biden’s leftist handlers)?
Really? We Americans don’t riot? Go look at your history and why we became an independent country previously ruled by a king.
I am so sad to read your reply …. arguable, media spoon fed sound bites….. the enemy isn’t going to take us from outside because our country and the rights our constitutional republic was formed on is being eroded from the inside … as a world power we are circling the drain ..but hey we did rule for 250 huh? .. don’t worry about us moving to China because they will soon be ruling here due to this administrations poor decisions … they own our debt …. I love this country and will stand and speak out for all who love her and don’t condone hate and persecution of others …. as a side note in case you missed it …. 8 million people stood together on Saturday … side by side to protest …. not one building was burned … not one store was looted …. no attacks on uniformed officers (in fact in my area protesters thanked the officers for their security duties) … they are the Americans I will stand with ….
What conspiracy channel are you tuned into? Wow, especially the Jan 6 ridiculous claim! I suggest you read some American History, starting with the Revolution, followed by the Civil War and check out Civil Rights and Vietnam protests.
You should have turned off Fox “News” and come down to talk to the people there. In particular, you should be aware of the very large number of VETERANS in attendance. Ask them about love of country.
Thank you
You’re right Janice. I saw the same elderly hippies who show up on 13th & University, Irma with the bad teeth, Sarah (“Masked Bandit) and the normal cast of characters. It is quite enteetaining and makes me wonder who made those signs? They look great.
We need a king. Christ is king,always.
Kings are not too favorable towards protests. If there was a king, the king most likely would not allow them to have a protest rally. But, since they are having multiple, repeat protest rallies, it kind of proves there is no king.
“UF graduate student Kai Blades, an organizer for the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Students for Socialism, leads a crowd in chants Saturday as part of the “No Kings” protest in Gainesville.” Does Kai realize that Socialism will offer him leaders much more of the kingly type? “Socialism and Liberation” is an oxymoron.