NO KINGS PART THREE: Sam Hill checks in with the Third No Kings Protest in Wilmington, NC

encore contributors, Sam Hill and photographer Eric Vithalani, attended the third No Kings protest in Wilmington on Saturday, March 28.

Photos by Sam Hill

The morning has started and the crowds are gathering in front of Thalian Hall with protestors proudly holding up their signs. The First Amendment, “...the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” was on display along 3rd and Princess streets by the citizens of the Cape Fear Region. 

Members of the community marched from two different Wilmington directions, Castle Street and the 1898 memorial, to finally gather at Innes Park in downtown. “Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! Donald Trump has got to go!” the marchers chanted holding their signs up among many others participating in the crowd. 

Cars driving down 3rd Street blow and toot their horns in support of the protestors, some supporters holding signs and blasting Rage Against the Machine, sharing their support. Thousands of protestors lined the streets and filled the sidewalks in unity–chanting, shouting, blowing whistles and practicing their freedom of speech. 

Skip Duss, protestor from the No Kings protest, “I’m tired of the corruption, no healthcare, gas prices, you name it. It’s just out of this world.” Adjacent to Duss, Celenda James said, “It feels wonderful to be here because I feel like it’s my duty. My duty to vote and this is my duty.”

Photos by Eric Vithalani.

By noon, the steps of Thalian Hall were overflowing with protestors, chanting and shouting. “What do we want?! Peace! When do we want it?! Now!,” they chanted in unison. 

From basic black-and-white signs with “Tax the Rich!” and “No more war!” to colorful, play-on-word signs with “Give Impeachment a Chance!” to “Protect the Dolls” all waved in the air. “Get out there and vote!” a passerby said, shouting to the people on the steps. 

“This is the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen in Wilmington without it being a rock concert. It’s incredible the number of people here,” said Dave Marson. 

American flags of all sizes waved proudly and with trumpets and whistles filling the air. “Pro-American, Anti-Trump" flags were mingled in the crowd of flags. Members of the crowd brought speakers blasting Bad Bunny and other protest songs to encourage people and their protesting spirits.

“I think that we all have to stand up. That’s what we have to do right now. It’s wonderful to see all the people who are here,” said Tanya Suarez. 

The No Kings Protests in Wilmington had the largest turnout of the past three protests. The crowd peacefully displayed their freedom of expression in the heart of downtown Wilmington. All to remind citizens: use your voice and exercise your rights fairly underneath the U.S. Constitution.