Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A group of concerned citizens gathered locally ahead of No Kings Day in Fayetteville to voice their concerns about what they call dangerous agendas.
The movement pushes back against authoritarianism and abuse of power.
“It has taken a lot of courage to kind of step out and be our own people,” said Saoirse Ivy Patrick. “And speak up and say, ‘we don’t believe that way.’ We think everyone has the right to be themselves. We want people to know they’re not alone, and we are fighting for them as much as we can.”
Caleb Price says the history of the Mountain State is disheartening.
“This is not like what our ancestors fought for,” Price said. “We fought for the liberty of these people, and to see that it’s brought itself more present, more than ever, is just insane to me.”
The No Kings Protest is about reminding our leaders and ourselves that the power belongs to the people.
Many in this group say they grew up in families that wanted them to treat people differently because of their love or beliefs, so it’s natural for them to stand up at this protest.
“It is terrifying, but yes, very empowering to come into yourself and say, ‘this is who I am,'” said Patrick. “I don’t have to be who I used to be or who I am expected to be. I am my own person with my own beliefs.”
A group of concerned citizens gathered at the Route 19 walking bridge in Fayetteville to express their importance of seeing more justice and protection for the LGBTQIA community, minorities, and immigrants.
“For people to be more open-minded and come together as a community and learn the values of these people,” Price said. “They should not be villainized or alienized — these are people too, they want the same rights.”
