Florida declared a state of emergency before a white nationalist's speech — and protesters showed up with confetti, high-fiving state troopers

pulse

October 19, 2017 10:13 PM

Despite large crowds of protesters during a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at UF, many signs chose to voice uplifting messages.

White nationalist Richard Spencer spoke at UF and protesters attended the speech.
Uplifting messages were written on confetti and spread around the street.
Many people chose to come together and denounce hatred.

declared a state of emergency in advance of a speech at the University of Florida by noted white nationalist Richard Spencer.

While the atmosphere was tense at times, it was also peaceful. Many protesters who decry Spencer's message and presence on campus chose to voice uplifting messages.

For example, confetti with heartfelt messages littered the street, and banners were flown touting messages of love.

Plane flies over the Philli... @ Taylour Marks

A police trooper gave high fives to protesters.

Trooper high fives protesto... @ Paige Fry

And a student whose mom was worried about him wrote a message specifically for her.

UF senior Juan Lozano wrote... @ Jimena Tavel

A supportive community came together to lift each other up.

Father John and daughter Fa... @ Jimena Tavel

Larry Green, a pastor, says... @ Jimena Tavel

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