Nashville's No King Protests

Belmont Vision Multi Media and Photography, Zach Watkins

Wielding signs covered in political slogans and upside-down American flags; protesters gathered in Nashville, Tennessee’s Bicentennial Park as a part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest on Saturday. 

 The protests, organized in Nashville through an organization known as Indivisible, were to denounce recent actions regarding immigration and spending cuts by President Trump.  

Indivisible organizes protests in Nashville, Tennessee regularly, but this one had the largest turnout to date, said organizer Kathleen Ervin. 

Protestor in front of the Bicentennial Amphitheater, Zach Watkins

Over 2000 protests occurred nationwide on Saturday under the “No Kings” label, coinciding with Trump’s plans to celebrate his 79th birthday with a speech after the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington D.C.  

Young Kid Protesting With His Parents, Zach Watkins

Tell me what democracy looks like,” shouted nine-year-old Isla Small, surrounded by her family, with her fist in the air. 

“This is what democracy looks like,” responded the crowd of protesters. 

Man Holding His Protest Sign In Front of The Crowd, Zach Watkins

Among them was Addie Bollard, an incoming freshman at Belmont. She spent her Thursday at one of Belmont’s summer orientation sessions for the upcoming school year. On Saturday, though, she protested.  

Woman Protesting ICE Chanting with the Crowd, Zach Watkins

“We just want to make sure our voices are heard and show there are people out here who want change to happen,” she said.  

Though some Belmont students were present, the majority of the protesters were older. 

“I think there’s a lot of apathy with young people,” said Carter Barnett, a Belmont senior. “I would really have liked to see more young people today, but I appreciate the older people coming out and giving their time to protest.” 

Protestor arguing for Research Funding, Zach Watkins

After some speakers led chants and spoke to the crowd gathered in the park, the protesters moved towards Jefferson Avenue and lined the streets, shouting and cheering at the cars driving by.  

“What we see currently going on is a Republican party out of control,” said a community activist Jermaine Cole Jr. “I want people to understand that there’s a fight happening in Tennessee and that the South has something to say.” 

Jermaine Cole Jr. Leading the Crowd In Chants, Zach Watkins

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This Article Was Written by Nolan Russell with Photography by Zach Watkins