JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Community organizations protested outside the Duval County courthouse calling on President Donald Trump’s administration to be held accountable and be fair. 

Protestors told First Coast News they wanted to make a unified statement against President Trump’s policies, calling them “divisive” and “regressive.”

With signs, speeches and chants they made it know that they want to protect human rights and are standing up for justice for all. 

“Already from day one looking like it’s gonna be a tough four years but we’re not going to back down,” Maria Garcia, organizer with Jacksonville Community Action Committee, said.

Garcia joined the dozens of protestors stretched across the Duval County courthouse lawn. 

“We are here,” said Garcia, “People of all different stripes, creeds, fighting for what is right…for justice.”

The local leaders, activists and community members spoke out against President Trump’s agenda, just hours after he took office. 

With signs held high, they called his policies harmful, divisive and regressive and they’re demanding accountability from him over these next four years.  

“We are not going down without a fight,” Monique Sampson, with Jacksonville Community Action Committee said. “We are prepared for the next four years with our organization and other organizations within this coalition to fight back against any racism agenda, any homophobic agenda, any agenda that harms the working class people we are here and we are ready to fight.”

With Jan. 20 also being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, protestors said it’s important for them to make their voices heard and continue the fight that Dr. King started.

“This is not the future that MLK envisioned,” Garcia said.

“There’s still hope, and our system of government is important to protect our democracy is important and the people’s voices are still important, and we will continue to fight for civil rights and justice in this country,” Denise Hunt, a community member, said.

Organizers called out key issues like immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, public education, policing and human rights.

First Coast News also spoke with the chair of the Duval County Democratic Party, Daniel Henry. He commended the outgoing president and vice president for their service.

Henry also called on the new administration to do what’s right for all Americans. 

“I think in order for us to truly ensure we hold this new administration accountable is that we don’t go to sleep we don’t stop paying attention we don’t no longer engage, that we continue to make sure the government that represents us is truly fighting for us as Americans,” Henry said.