For many in central Virginia and around the world, monitoring news can come at a significant cost.

Even a glance at a phone or other device can lead to a range of emotions and not much time to process them; social media doesn’t make this any easier, as many posts about major events or policy changes are polarizing.

All of this can contribute to feelings of isolation or negativity. Many participants in the “No Kings Day” protest in Charlottesville on June 14 said the gathering was a contrast to that negative digital experience.

According to Indivisible Charlottesville, about 6,800 people lined the sidewalks on both sides of Route 29, from Lenox to Hydraulic, a distance spanning almost half a mile. While the specific cause that each person was championing may have differed, many of them were there to express their opposition to the Trump administration and the way it is exerting executive power. Most people decried Trump administration policies and actions as fascist or authoritarian.

There was a strong sense of community, laughter at witty homemade signs, and celebration when cars honked in support as they passed by.

Two people stand on a sidewalk next to a road holding up large homemade signs, one depicting President Donald Trump as a crying baby and the other reading "Only you can prevent fascist liars." Several dozen other protestors are standing on the sidewalk behind them.
Protesters’ signs were most often homemade and many used humor to criticize President Trump. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
Hundreds of people stand on a sidewalk next to the road holding up protest signs as cars pass by.
There was a large turnout, and organizers encouraged protesters to keep clear of roads. Many vehicles slowed down to read the signs. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
A group of people crowded together by the side of the road, standing or walking in different directions, many holding up colorful homemade signs of protest.
Residents displayed many unique homemade signs protesting the Trump administration’s policies on immigration, federal spending and other issues. Many expressed appreciation and laughter about each other’s work and clever slogans. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
Several people are seated in a car driving by with the windows rolled down. They are holding up their phones, smiling and waving to people on the sidewalk.
Several motorists slowed down to wave to and cheer on the protesters. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
Several people stand on a street corner in front of a gas station holding up protest signs, the largest of which reads "No kings in VA."
A collection of people bookended the protest on the intersection of Hydraulic and Route 29 with signs. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
A woman stands on the grass wearing a long red robe with a hood, similar to costumes worn in the popular television series, "The Handmaid's Tale." She is holding a sign reading "Too old to be a Handmaid."
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else today. This is where we all need to be, no standing by anymore. We have to do something. I’m here voicing my opinion with my two daughters,” said Diane Leroux. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
A large group of people stand at an intersection with a traffic signal and a large orange sign indicating road work.
Despite the high temperatures, the crowd stayed large until their permit to protest expired at 2 p.m.. One part of the group stayed around the Route 29 entrance to the Shops at Stonefield, where Albemarle County police stayed back from the crowd and did minimal traffic control. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow
A large group of people gather on a sidewalk holding up colorful signs and American flags. A person in a reflective vest stands off to the side directing traffic as cars drive by.
Volunteers from Indivisible Charlottesville helped keep the roads clear and directed traffic. The protest occurred without police incident or arrests. Credit: Tristan Williams/Charlottesville Tomorrow

Tristan Williams is an editorial, portrait, and live music photographer. His work has been featured in such publications as Billboard Magazine, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Relix, Brooklyn Vegan, and American Songwriter.