(PENSACOLA) --- No thrones, crowns, or kings is the message this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 9th Avenue and Airport Blvd.
"No Kings" is a nationwide group mobilizing peacefully to make its point, and Margaret Hostetter, 50501 organizer, is behind them for the third time.
(Photo: No Kings Protest March 28, 2025 along Airport Blvd.)
The last two events have collectively gathered over 4,000 protesters. This year, the protest will take place in three locations, including one in Milton and Navarre.
Hostetter has been working behind the scenes to ensure as many people as possible attend Saturday's No King protest. As the 50501, the local director supports the message: 50 Protests, 50 States, One Movement.
This year, it's No Kings.
"Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger," according to the No Kings website. "No Kings" is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon."
The website continues noting the group was "born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together."
Local activist Pepper McQuiffins fights dictatorship by appearing before the Pensacola City Council every other Thursday evening, demanding that the current Flock contract end. She is one of dozens who continue to address elected officials.
McQuiffins said she joined 50501 for the same reason: to fight back.
"50501 is something I fully stand behind," McQuiffins. "They are such a great organization and doing such an excellent job of rallying people together regardless of where they stand or what organization they're with, and I love that."
Being inclusive is what it is all about, according to the local activist.
"I believe in that with all of my heart," McQuiffins said, adding she has learned so much from Hostetter along the way.
On behalf of 50501, Hostetter worked with Pensacola State College before the fight to ensure there would be enough space for people of all ages to participate.
(Photo: 50501 Pensacola Facebook homepage)
After speaking with the college police chief, who indicated they would block the parking lot for protests on non-school days, per Pensacola State College policy.
She said the procedures stated that expressive activity, which means protest, can only be done on school days, but she found Florida Statute 1004.097, which protects peaceful, spontaneous expressive activities in public university and college outdoor areas.
It prohibits "free-speech zones" and bans restricting speech to specific areas, allowing for reasonable, content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions.
There can be reasonable restrictions, but Hostetter contends that this is unreasonable and too restrictive if it's limited to only school days.
"That is our legal basis for contesting the college's plans to blockade us from parking," Hostetter said.
(Photo: No Kings March 28 Flyer for Pensacola)
We have to “defend and amend” the Constitution, Hostetter said, noting today as citizens "we have no voice and are just pawns.”
Fighting “dark money” and power on both sides of the aisle is how change will take place, according to her and McQuiffins, who will both be protesting Saturday morning.
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