Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday for the city’s second ‘No Kings’ rally, making their presence felt as they marched through downtown toward the State Capitol.
Organizers estimated participation at around 15,000 attendees, while local media outlet Atlanta Civic Circle suggested the number might be closer to 7,000.
Despite initial resistance from city officials, who did not issue a march permit, the coalition of organizers, which included the ACLU of Georgia, Indivisible, and 50501, committed to their cause and announced they would march to the Capitol regardless.
“I was really disappointed when the city was at first not allowing the march to happen,” said John Clark, a 51-year-old former Marine from DeKalb County.
He expressed satisfaction that the city eventually approved a permit just two days before the event, emphasizing the need for local officials to support such demonstrations more proactively.
In a statement on October 16, Mayor Andre Dickens’ office refuted claims of a lack of city support for the rally.
U.S. Senator Rafael Warnock (D-Georgia) addressed the crowd after the march, downplaying the controversy surrounding the permit.
“All I know is we gathered here today, and we’re participating in the long American tradition of protests,” he stated.
Many demonstrators drew inspiration from the animal-costumed anti-ICE protests in Portland, with Clark and his wife, Amy Bryant, adorning frog costumes and displaying a sign that read, “Frogs against fascism / amphifa.”
Bryant, a mental health counselor, voiced her desire for Atlanta’s elected officials to resist the harmful policies of the Trump administration regarding DEI, disability rights, and transgender rights.
Clark and Bryant announced they would scrutinize local elected officials, such as the DeKalb County Sheriff, during the next election regarding their affiliations with ICE.
Jen Geckler, 58, a resident of Buckhead, dressed as a giant lobster, emphasized her wish for representatives to champion voting and reproductive rights.
“We’re tired of Georgia trying to eliminate our voting rights and women’s rights,” she declared.
Other participants voiced concerns tied to the rising cost of living.
“Property taxes are ridiculous. They’re pricing everyone out of the neighborhood,” lamented Colleen Wheeler, 52, who also hailed from Buckhead.
A common theme echoed throughout the crowd was the demand for local officials to uphold and defend citizens’ rights.
Kiki Willis, an East Point resident clad as an axolotl, exclaimed, “I want them to do what’s right, even if it hurts.”
Rohit Malhotra, a candidate for Atlanta City Council president, resonated with this sentiment during his address to the assembly.
“We cannot denounce Trump nationally and behave like him locally,” he urged, pointing out the necessity of voting progressive representatives into City Hall.
His opponent, District 11 Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet, stated she had briefly visited the march before attending her husband’s Morehouse Homecoming celebration.
Alfred “Shivy” Brooks, a member of the Atlanta Board of Education, emphasized the significance of paying attention to local elections.
Though he is not up for reelection, Brooks highlighted that four even-numbered school board seats will be on the ballot for the upcoming November 4 election.
“Education is always the first thing to be under attack when a fascist government tries to take over,” he warned.
He reinforced the notion that local officials serve as a vital safeguard against oppressive regimes.
Brooks encouraged residents to remain engaged in local politics, pointing out that only 13% of Atlanta voters turned out for the last municipal elections in 2023.
Early voting for the November 4 election will run through October 31, providing another opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard.
image source from：atlantaciviccircle
