Hands Off Democracy: Gerald Griggs Leads the Charge with 'No Kings' Rallying Cry in Atlanta

On April 19, 2025, Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs stood shoulder to shoulder with demonstrators in downtown Atlanta at the Handsoff protest, a bold call to action against authoritarian overreach and the erosion of civil liberties. The rally, marked by chants of “No Kings,” served as a powerful rebuke to policies perceived as undemocratic and oppressive.

Gerald Griggs, a seasoned civil rights attorney and activist, has long been at the forefront of Georgia’s justice movements. His presence at the Handsoff protest underscored his unwavering commitment to grassroots mobilization and the defense of First Amendment rights. In recent years, he has vocally opposed the militarized responses to peaceful protests, such as the law enforcement actions during student demonstrations at Emory University in 2024. 

Protesters including President Gerald Griggs march through the streets holding signs and banners, including "HANDS OFF!" and "SAVE MEDICAID," advocating for social and political change.

The Handsoff protest was more than a demonstration; it was a declaration that Georgians will not tolerate the dismantling of democratic norms. With leaders like Gerald Griggs at the helm, the movement sends a clear message: power belongs to the people—not to kings.Griggs underscored the need to protect the fundamental theme of the Constitution that no one is above the law.