Story by Christina Barrow; photos by Paige Stevens
On a hot Flag Day morning, thousands of protestors ages 6 to 92 wearing Statue of Liberty crowns and waving American flags gathered at CCB Plaza downtown, responding to a nationwide call: “No Kings Day.”
The protest was one of about 2,000 such events around the country on Saturday, which was also the Army’s 250th birthday and Donald Trump’s birthday.
On a small stage near the Major the Bull statue, Emerson Kirby, chair of Durham County Democratic Party, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, pausing for emphasis on “liberty and justice for all.” Marine Corps veteran and former legislator Larry D. Hall then reminded the crowd: “This country belongs to you, the people. We pledge to the flag, not to one man.” State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls emphasized the importance of that court. “Flag Day is not just about waving flags,” Earls said. “It’s about protecting the values they stand for.”
As marchers headed towards Durham Central Park, filling streets and sidewalks, demonstrators moved in rhythm to the gospel-tinged chorus, “Put one foot in front of the other, and lead with love.” Between verses, chants echoed: “This is what democracy looks like!”
Leading the march were voters whose ballots were challenged by N.C. Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin, only to be counted at last in the eventual victory of Justice Allison Riggs.
Nearby, Jamie Flocchini, mother of an LGBTQ+ daughter, held a sign nearly as tall as she was. It read “Imagine being afraid of diversity but not dictatorship.”
“I see rights being taken away from everyone, every day,” she said. “My daughter shouldn’t have to raise her future kids in a world like this.” Flocchini said sometimes she brings national news to the family dinner table; other times, her daughter breaks it down in a way only young people can.
“I want people to know I have a voice,” Flocchini said, eyes shining. “To be heard, not just seen. I have something to say, and I mean it.”
The homemade signs were as varied as the people holding them. Amanda Clabaugh, a labor and delivery nurse from Burlington, held a sign reading ““He thinks he is a king. We know he is a court jester.”
“I see patients from all backgrounds,” Clabaugh said. “It’s hard knowing so many nurses support Trump when our job is to care for everyone, no matter who they are.” As for what happens next? “We keep showing up. We have no choice. We are stronger than one man.”
Under a shady canopy at Durham Central Park tables offered information about organizations including Sunrise Durham and the Durham County Democratic Party, along with voter registration forms, and homemade cookies and snacks. The Reprobate Choir played between speeches, urging the crowd to register to vote and bring friends with them to the polls.
David Hartwell used a GoPro to capture the day’s event. Hartwell’s father, a World War II tank commander wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, was a lifelong Republican.
“But he’d be appalled by what’s happening in this country,” Hartwell said. “This is beyond politics now.”
Hartwell worries about rising authoritarianism and misinformation. “We need to force hard conversations. I try to talk to the other side, but it’s hard when we can’t even agree on the facts. It’ll be a long road.”
Still, the atmosphere carried moments of joy. As a group of teenagers made their way from the Sunrise Movement table, a girl in overalls burst out: “God, I love Durham so much!”
Pictured at top: State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls urged the crowd to remember the values the flag symbolizes during Saturday’s ‘No Kings Day’ protest in Durham. Photos by Paige Stevens — The 9th Street Journal
