Peaceful “No Kings Day” rally in Hernando calls for unity, democracy, change

Photo: An estimated 300 activists and supporters took part in the “No Kings Day” rally on the DeSoto County Courthouse grounds Saturday. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

HERNANDO, Miss. – A peaceful “No Kings Day” rally in the heart of DeSoto County drew speakers and supporters who stressed unity, democracy and civic engagement. The event, held in Hernando and emceed by State Rep. Hester Jackson-McCray, a Democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, featured speeches and prayers from local leaders, clergy and political candidates calling for social change and renewed participation in government.

Community Leaders Open With Prayer, Patriotic Spirit

Participants waved American flags and chanted “USA” before Pastor Brenda Anderson of Walls offered an opening blessing. Anderson, a longtime nurse, small-business owner and pastor of Living Word Ministry, prayed for protection and unity, saying, “It’s time for a change… We love America, and they are exemplifying that in every way.”

Some in the crowd waved American flags, but waved them upside down, symbolizing the nation in distress.  

Dianne Dodson Black Criticizes Shutdown, Campaigns for State Senate

Olive Branch business owner and community activist Dianne Dodson Black, a Democratic candidate for the Mississippi State Senate District 19 seat in the upcoming Nov. 4 special election — where she is challenging incumbent State Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven) — spoke passionately about the government shutdown and its impact on working families. 

“Our government has shut down again, and while politicians in Washington argue, regular people are paying the price,” Black said. She condemned efforts to cut Affordable Care Act funding, warning that more than 300,000 Mississippians could lose their tax credits and that rural hospitals may face closure. “This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a people issue,” she added. “No one should go bankrupt just because they got sick.”

Chris Hanna Urges Voter Turnout and Reform

Marine Corps veteran and Hernando resident Chris Hanna, a Democratic candidate for the Mississippi State Senate District 1 seat in the Nov. 4 special election — where he faces incumbent State Sen. Michael McLendon (R-Hernando) — spoke about the challenges facing teachers, law enforcement and working families. 

“Our teachers and law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid. They deserve more than thanks — they deserve real support and fair wages,” Hanna said. He called for investments in public education and tax reform benefiting the middle class, urging the crowd to vote in the upcoming election. “Show me what democracy looks like!” he chanted, encouraging attendees to bring friends and family to the polls.

Cliff Johnson Denounces Authoritarianism, Calls for Unity

The keynote address came from Cliff Johnson, director of the MacArthur Justice Center at the University of Mississippi School of Law and a Democratic candidate for Congress in Mississippi’s 1st District. Johnson warned against what he described as “an unprecedented power grab” and urged Mississippians to defend democratic values.

“We are not out here because we hate the United States of America,” Johnson said. “We are out here because we deeply care about this country and her people. We will not stand by and let power be stripped from us, the people, and handed to this president, because we don’t have kings in America.”

Johnson called for unity across party, racial and economic lines. “If they divide us, they control us,” he said. “If we unite, we win.”

Closing With Reflection

The rally concluded with a dramatic reading by members of Indivisible DeSoto MS from The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, symbolising vigilance against the erosion of democratic freedoms. The peaceful event ended with applause and renewed calls for civic engagement and voter participation as attendees waved flags and chanted, “No kings!”

Saturday’s rally was part of a nationwide effort by the Indivisible movement to rally activists against President Donald Trump and his policies. The rally and program on the DeSoto County Courthouse was peaceful with organizers pressing for participants to voice themselves in a peaceful manner. 

Hernando police had a visible presence on the Courthouse Square during the rally and the only moment during the protest rally came when a Trump supporter tried to start an argument with protesters. Police quickly asked him to leave the area and go across the street.  

Other Mississippi rallies Saturday were held in Gulfport, Oxford, Jackson, Tupelo, Starkville, Hattiesburg, and in Corinth.