“In America, we don’t do kings,” Todd Madigan, assistant professor in sociology and founder of CCU Democracy, said. “We never have, and we never will.”
A diverse group came together outside the Horry County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the “No Kings 2” protest. The protest, organized by Coastal Democracy, was a peaceful rally demonstrating the disapproval of President Donald Trump’s policies and actions in office, which are seen as authoritarian by his critics.
Many participants carried homemade signs with slogans such as: “Worst sequel ever,” “Borders divide,” “Love unites,” “Justice for all, not just for some” and “Rise up for democracy!”
An estimated 250 to 300 people assembled in Downtown Conway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., compared to about 65 members in Coastal Democracy’s first “No Kings” protest on Sept. 1.
Protestors stayed on the sidewalks chanting as onlookers passed by. Some rang bells, while others led chants through megaphones. Several wore colorful, inflated costumes, reminiscent of those worn in Portland, Oregon protests that have become symbolic of the movement globally.
Standing a few feet behind the crowd, a chant leader called out into the megaphone as participants shouted back in response, waiving their signs and cheering when cars honked in support.
Responding to claims that protests were rioting, Madigan said critics misunderstood their purpose.
“Those people haven’t seen a rally. The rallies are obviously joyful occasions. We’re here to celebrate our shared civic values of things like an appreciation of the Constitution, a love of freedom, respect for our neighbors,” Madigan said.
Aspen Humphries, a senior a anthropology and geology major said a few people drove by and flipped off the protestors and a small group of counter-protesters made their way towards the group at one point.
“They were just standing there with their Trump signs, their Trump flag, and they were trying to be closer to where we were. We were able to, because we have a permit to be here protesting, but from what we understand, they don’t,” Humphries said.
Another person opposing the protest stood across the street shouting remarks such as “Men, you don’t have to listen to your wives, stand up to them,” and “Go back to history class.”
Protesters turned their backs and sang their own rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” to drown them out, instructing others not to engage.
Humphries said no physical contact was made during these encounters and explained how organizers had protocols for de-escalating any potential danger.
Despite a few instances of loud opposition, many confirmed that no incidents had occurred, and that the protest remained peaceful throughout their allotted time.
2026 Democratic candidate for SC representative of District 7, John Gregory Vincent, said he has never witnessed an incident between protesters. He rejected claims that “No Kings” protests are radical or violent, and said protests are vital for civic engagement.
“It’s important to show people that, A: They’re not alone; there’s other people that think like you. And B: Those people that are in office,
they can’t just sit around. They’re going to have to start actually representing the people,” he said.
Vincent said protests in conservative regions are especially significant.
“It’s most important in a red state because the national press can absolutely discard it if it’s in a quote-unquote ‘Blue city’ or ‘blue state,’” he said. “You can’t discount this.”
Despite what labels may be assigned, Madigan said Coastal Democracy is a non-partisan group.
“We just want to respect our neighbors, and when we see our neighbors being afraid to leave their homes because they might get snatched by masked and badgeless federal agents, we need to stand up for that,” he said. “Because we really do believe in loving our neighbor and respecting our neighbor, and we feel most people, regardless of their political party, believe that.”
City of Conway police officers monitored the protest and declined to comment, but organizers said the officers were helpful.
“They were wonderful,” Madigan said. “I spoke to them an hour before the event, and they said they were here to support us. They did, and we’re very appreciative of Conway law enforcement.”
At around 1 p.m. attendees gathered as Madigan thanked them through a megaphone for their enthusiasm and turnout.
“It turned out excellent,” he said. “It far exceeded our expectations in both student participation, faculty and community participation.”
Coastal Democracy has not established a plan for future events at this time but encourages downtown business owners to display signs supporting immigrant families.
