160 Protesters Rally in Albany Against Trump Policies Today
UPDATE: Approximately 160 protesters gathered today in Albany, Georgia, for a powerful “No Kings” protest opposing the Trump administration’s policies. This demonstration is part of a nationwide movement involving an estimated 7 million people across the United States, marking a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse.
Protesters converged at the busy intersection of Dawson Road and Westover Boulevard, brandishing signs with messages such as “Albany says no kings” and “Hate won’t make America great.” The crowd remained vocal for two hours, receiving an outpouring of support through honks and cheers from passing motorists. This marks the second “No Kings” protest in Albany, with organizers noting a larger turnout compared to the previous event in June.
The protest drew individuals of all ages, uniting residents from 7 to 70 years old. Attendees voiced their discontent with Trump’s agendas on critical issues including immigration, voting rights, and healthcare. Protest organizer James Malphrus emphasized, “We’re here because we love our country, not because we hate it.”
Notably, the event attracted visits from Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial candidates Josh McLaurin and Richard Wright, who highlighted that the “No Kings” movement extends beyond major urban areas. McLaurin and Wright’s presence underscores the growing political engagement in rural communities.
As protesters chanted “We don’t want no kings,” Chris Dayani, an Albany resident, gathered signatures for a petition advocating for the release of a local man detained by ICE. Dayani’s efforts reflect broader concerns about immigration policies that have instilled fear within the community, particularly among those who contribute significantly to the agricultural sector.
Rebecca Malphrus, another organizer, stated that the impacts of Trump’s immigration policies are deeply felt in southwest Georgia, where many fear deportation. “Our constitution says that all people, all inhabitants, not just citizens, are entitled to due process, and that’s being ignored,” she asserted.
The protest also highlighted worries about the administration’s funding cuts, particularly in education and healthcare. Annie Vanoteghem, a local resident, expressed concern over federal funding essential for low-income communities. “The school nurse is going to be the only doctor they see that year,” she warned, stressing the potential adverse effects on vulnerable families.
Veterans played a prominent role in the protest, including Kaira Sariah, a 33-year-old Air Force veteran, who spoke passionately about the need for better mental health support for fellow veterans. “For everyone that died overseas in the last 20 years, four have died at home by their own hand,” she noted, underscoring the urgent need for action.
The protest also saw participation from long-time activists like Dougherty County Commissioner Gloria Gaines, who recalled her involvement in the Albany Civil Rights movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. Her presence is a testament to the ongoing fight for civil rights, which protesters fear is under threat from the current administration.
As the protest concluded, the sense of unity among participants was palpable. Mackenzie Carter, a young Albany resident, articulated her fears for the future, stating, “I’m fighting against all the hate, and I’m fighting not only for my reproductive rights, but my daughter’s, and my future grandkids’.”
The Albany “No Kings” protest exemplifies a growing wave of activism across the nation, as communities unite to challenge policies they believe undermine democracy and human rights. As developments unfold, the movement continues to gain momentum, promising to keep the conversation alive well beyond today’s event.
