Five-thousand protesters met at Emmet park for Savannah’s No Kings Rally on Saturday, Oct. 18. They marched down Bay Street to the steps of City Hall, in solidarity with an estimated 7 million Americans across the country.

“We’re here because we are appalled at what’s going on,” said one protester.

Coastal Georgia For Democracy organized the event to protest what they say are constitutional violations by the Trump administration. These violations include National Guard deployment in several states, immigration enforcement’s breach of protected rights, and using authoritarian power to undermine freedom in America.

Present at the protest, Georgia Rep. Ruwa Romman said that, “Freedom is also not having to fear that a health care crisis is going to bankrupt you, that if you need a hospital, it’s there. If you work a full-time job, you can afford to live.”

Organizers cite the administration’s tariffs, cuts to health care funding and federal resource programs, and Georgia Public Service Commissioners allowing corporate price gouging, as a few policies making life harder for Georgians.

How to Make a Difference

They also warned that SNAP benefits will soon expire for 44,000 people in the county and called out to the community for food donations. They asked people to help the nonprofits, like the Pride Center and Mary’s Place, bring resources to the community.

Protestors carried signs and shouted chants calling for justice and democracy. Across protests this year, costumes and inflatable suits have become staples of peaceful demonstrations. 

“I saw the opportunity to come out here and stand up for Americans’ rights,” said a protester, donning an inflatable dinosaur costume.

Citizens were urged to seek information about local elections and policies impacting the community, and to start conversations with their families and neighbors. 

“I know what it’s like to be a student and be sort of marginally informed, occasionally, and part of it’s just, it can be depressing,” said Kris Mecholsky, Co-Founder and Treasurer of Coastal Georgia for Democracy. “These policies are hurting everybody but if we vote, if we support each other, we will eventually be able to reclaim our democracy and have it function the way that it should.

Finding voting resources and volunteer opportunities on Georgia Southern’s website.