A protest has been organized for Sunday, March 23rd, at Patrick Henry Park in Richmond, coinciding with the annual reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous “Liberty or Death” speech at St. John’s Church. The demonstration, themed “250 Years of No Kings in America,” draws on the Revolutionary War-era spirit to oppose President Donald Trump.
The protest, described as a peaceful gathering, aims to highlight concerns about authoritarianism and democracy in the U.S. The event’s promotional materials draw a direct parallel between opposition to King George III in 1775 and resistance to Trump today, stating: “We resisted King George. We will resist Trump.”
Historical and Political Symbolism
Patrick Henry’s speech, delivered on March 23, 1775, at the then-Second Virginia Convention, played a crucial role in rallying colonists toward revolution. Protest organizers appear to be leveraging this historic backdrop to frame their message, invoking the Virginia state motto – Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants) – which was also infamously associated with John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln’s assassination.
The timing and location of the protest suggest an effort to draw media attention to its cause, particularly with the reenactment attracting visitors and public figures, including Governor Glenn Youngkin and renowned filmmaker Ken Burns who is promoting his new docuseries, “The American Revolution”. Organizers are calling for demonstrators to peacefully picket in the streets around Historic St. John’s Church, urging attendees to bring signs and highlight concerns over what they describe as the “corrupt thug in the Oval Office” and his alleged abuses of power.
A post circulating online about the event states:
“Let’s show the press who come to document this display of patriotism what democracy looks like in action! Bring your signs and walking shoes to circle the street in a peaceful picket. No violence or threats thereof. We seek to inspire all Americans to turn against the corrupt thug in the Oval Office for his abundant abuses of power.”
The event follows a broader pattern of recent political demonstrations in Richmond, a city with deep ties to both Revolutionary War and Civil War history, as well as contemporary activism. With Youngkin and Burns expected to attend, the protest is poised to gain additional visibility, particularly among journalists covering the anniversary event.
Community Reactions
The announcement of the protest has sparked discussion online, with some supporting the initiative as a defense of democratic values, while others criticize the comparison of Trump to a monarch as hyperbolic or divisive. The Reddit community r/rva has seen conversations debating the effectiveness of the demonstration and whether it aligns with Richmond’s civic traditions.
Local authorities have not issued any formal response regarding potential road closures or crowd control measures, though past protests in the area have generally proceeded without major incident.
Event Details
- What: Peaceful Protest – “250 Years of No Kings in America”
- Where: Patrick Henry Park, 2400 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA
- When: Sunday, March 23rd, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
The protest is expected to draw a mix of activists, historians, and politically engaged citizens. Whether it will impact the reenactment event at St. John’s Church remains to be seen, but it underscores how Richmond continues to be a flashpoint for historical and political discourse.
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