Social justice groups across the country are planning demonstrations on Saturday, June 14, as part of a national day of action organized by the 50501 movement. These demonstrations were planned for Saturday to coincide with Flag Day and President Donald Trump's birthday. The day also falls on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a public safety advisory about weekend protests, but organizers say there is no reason to believe that upcoming demonstrations will be unpeaceful.
What is the 'No Kings' protest?
The "No Kings National Day of Defiance" is being held across the nation on June 14, which coincides with Flag Day, the Army's 250th anniversary celebration, and, most importantly, Trump's birthday. Organizers are protesting, they say, what they consider Trump's attempts to display authoritative dominance, particularly during his birthday celebration, which they describe as a "spectacle meant to look like strength," according to a
release from Indivisible, which has partnered with
dozens of advocacy groups . The protests are separate, but not opposed to the Anti-ICE protests
happening around the country .
What does 50501 mean?
The
50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative that originated on the social platform Reddit, under the hashtag #50501, in the early days of Trump's second inauguration. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. They organized the
May Day Strong protests last month .
What is Trump's military parade on June 14 about?
While the parade is on the same day as President Trump’s 79th birthday, event organizers and administration officials say it is solely to celebrate the U.S. Army. The military parade is slated for June 14, in the heart of Washington, D.C., spanning six blocks and bisecting the National Mall. Organizers say the procession begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Protests planned in Upstate cities and SC
Several South Carolina cities are participating in the national day of action, including Spartanburg, Seneca, Rock Hill, Columbia, Pendleton, and Charleston. The Spartanburg rally is scheduled to take place at Morgan Square at 4 p.m. The protest in Pendleton is planned for 3 p.m. at Pendleton Square.
Valor Over Vanity protest in Greenville
The Greenville Progressive Coalition — which is made up of several local groups like Indivisible Upstate SC, 50501, and We the People Greenville — is organizing a protest called "Valor Over Vanity" at Unity Park on Saturday at 10 a.m. Michelle Shara is the Upstate representative for 50501. She said the Greenville rally is happening in conjunction with the countrywide "No Kings National Day of Defiance." The White House is organizing a large military parade on Saturday in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the President's birthday and the U.S. Army's anniversary. Shara said that the planned parade seems to use the military as a pawn instead of honoring those who have served. The local iteration of the day of action aims to amplify the voices of veterans and expose attacks on democracy, according to Shara. "It's about courage, accountability, community," Shara said. "It's about honoring the values that our veterans fought for, and it's about abiding by the Constitution of the United States."
AG Wilson issues advisory regarding protests
Wilson's office issued a public advisory on June 10, stating that it had received reports of coordinated protests scheduled for Saturday. The advisory states that "violence, vandalism, and any attempts to intimidate or obstruct law enforcement" won't be tolerated in South Carolina. "If you attack law enforcement, destroy public or private property, or endanger lives in our state, you will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Wilson's advisory stated.
Organizer says Greenville protest will be peaceful
Shara said that there is no reason for the state attorney general's office to believe that Saturday's protests won't be peaceful. She said that the Greenville Progressive Coalition has a great relationship with the Greenville Police Department and has been working with other city officials as well for event permitting. There will also be trained de-escalators at the rally, according to Shara. "We have a great relationship with the city for this," Shara said. "We are very committed to being peaceful and nonviolent."
Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state and Greenville County politics. Contact her at [email protected].
