Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on June 19, 2025. An estimated 400 people came together in downtown Floyd for Floyd’s No King Day, a nationwide day of peaceful protest that took place on June 14th in nearly 2,000 locations across the country.

Organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests and one movement, the No Kings theme was conceived to bring attention to citizen concerns about government overreach.

Protesters carried homemade signs that expressed concerns about the current day Trump administration’s policies on immigration enforcement and deportation, civil rights and cuts to the federal government and public services.

There were signs that read “Hands Off Democracy,” “Protect Due Process,” “Tax the Rich,” “We Are All Immigrants” and “No Kings.”

 Participating citizens gathered at the comfort station by the Warren Lineberry Park and marched to the stoplight, where they spread out onto all four corners of Locust and Main streets, singing chants of “No Hate No Fear, Everyone is Welcome Here, “The People United Will Not Be Divided” and “This is What Democracy Looks Like.”

One couple, who were in town from West Virginia for the Floyd Country Store’s Friday Night Jamboree, reported that this was their third group protest this year.

Another participant from Patrick County stated that he was a first-time protester. “I’m an Independent, but I accidently became a Democrat last year,” he said, adding, “I hate getting embarrassed for my country.”

The wind picked up but rain held off. Protesters noted that the positive support by vehicles passing by was encouraging. A majority of vehicles honked in solidarity as they drove past. Some drivers and passengers waved or gave a thumbs up.

Musicians performed John Lennon’s “Imagine song” and other songs from the balcony of the United Country Real Estate, overlooking the protest.

It was a multi-generational event.   – Colleen Redman

Photos: 1. No Kings signs were the most prevalent at the No Kings peaceful protest in downtown Floyd on Saturday. 2. Protesters gathered by the entrance to the Lineberry Park at noon. 3. Approximately 400 attendees participated, carrying American flags and homemade signs. 4. They marched to the stoplight and spread out onto the four corners of Locust and Main Street. 5. Theater actor Cameron Woodruff, who dressed for the occasion, crossed the street with Karen Baker, a recent candidate for representative of the 9th district. 6. A large group gathered in front of the courthouse. 7. Vehicles driving by honked in support. Some gave thumbs up. 8. It was Oscar Joost’s first protest. Joost was raised in Texas and currently lives in neighboring Patrick County. 9. It was a multi-generational event.