By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DOTHAN—A crowd of protesters gathered Saturday, March 28, outside the Houston County Courthouse as part of the “No Kings” movement, a series of protests organized in opposition to actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration. The rally was part of a broader nationwide effort that drew millions of participants from coast to coast and in all fifty states.
The Dale County Chronicle spoke with one of the local organizers, Jeneve Brooks, about the purpose of the event so we could learn more about it. Brooks said the primary goal of the rally was to express concerns about what participants view as violations of democratic principles.
“The primary goal of the third No Kings rally is to show that an increasing number of Americans feel that this administration has acted in undemocratic ways and has defied the Constitution,” shesaid. “We are seeking to demonstrate that ‘We the People’ still have the power.”
Brooks said organizers view the rally as part of a broader effort to make sure their voices are heard.
“I think this rally is important to show that we will not be silenced in the face of increasing authoritarianism,” Brooks said. “We wish to show that we are not afraid, and we will continue to stand up for true American values.”
The event took place in a region where Trump received strong support in the 2024 election. Brooks said the movement aims to encourage discussion among a wide range of residents, including those who may not initially agree with its message.
“The No Kings movement in our area shows that we are not all MAGA and encourages the broader public to think more critically about the direction our country is going,” Brooks said. “We get so many cars honking, thumbs up, and expressions of support.”
According to Brooks, turnout included a mix of participants from different backgrounds, including veterans, educators, and individuals attending a protest for the first time.
“We had roughly 200 people at the event today, which was wonderful,” Brooks said. “We also have people who have never protested before this movement, but they feel like they cannot stay silent with what is happening.”
Brooks added that organizers would like to see broader participation from minority communities in future events.
The rally was held without a sound system after organizers were denied a permit for its use, Brooks said.
“This was the first protest where we were denied having a sound system,” Brooks said. “We are working to correct this for future protests.”
Protesters wrapped around the Houston County Courthouse to demonstrate during the No Kings Rally on Saturday, March 28.
Organizers said they are also focusing on voter engagement efforts ahead of upcoming elections.
“We are registering more people to vote and getting mobilized for the midterms,” Brooks said. “Each of the No Kings protest days has become bigger.”
Another protest is planned for May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Houston County Courthouse as part of broader May Day events. Organizers also plan to host a mutual aid fair and additional voter outreach initiatives.
Brooks, who is a sociologist and educator, said her involvement in the movement is rooted in her background in activism and civic engagement.
“I have been an activist all my life,” she said. “When Trump was elected in 2024, I knew I would be involved in mobilization efforts to stand up for our democracy.”
Saturday’s event is one of several demonstrations held in the Wiregrass region since 2025, with organizers indicating plans to expand activities in the coming months. There were no reported incidents, and the rally was reportedly peaceful.
The White House dismissed the nationwide protests, referring to them as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions.”
The sheer scope of the protests across the country, even in areas where Trump won by large margins, and the people who attended to make their voices heard, would tend to challenge that statement.
Below are more photographs from the protests held on Saturday in Dothan:
