On Miércoles, Aug. 16, I marched with about 2,000 people in the #PhillyIsCharlottesville Marzo against Hate. Needless to say, I was angry about all that has transpired in the past several days and months. At the same time, I was hurt by the fact that the progress that we have made over the past several hundred years has been threatened by a very long and old hatred that this country still has not rid itself of. However, I am resolute about going forward and continuing the long hard struggle for justice and opportunity for all in Pennsylvania, this country and throughout the world. That is why I marched.
The outrage from the horrific events in Charlottesville, Va., is continuing. Individuals and organizations across the country continue to condemn the organizers and participants of the so-called “Unite the Right” rally, in which a mob of white supremacists descended on Charlottesville, inciting violence and death.
Since the president has completely and utterly failed to condemn the white supremacists, it’s up to all of us to stand up to hatred and let the world know that American does not tolerate hate.
To better understand the relationship of President Trump and his advisor Steve Bannon and the rise of the far-right constituency, please read and watch these disturbing interviews:
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Charlottesville: Race and Terror – VICE News Tonight on HBO |
These participants didn’t suddenly wake up and decide to be part of the white supremacist movement. Until recently, they have been forced to fester behind closed doors and websites. But, emboldened by President Trump’s rhetoric, they now feel comfortable to openly — with no mask, no hoods — display their true feelings while carrying torches and an array of flags with Nazi, Confederate and white supremacists on full display.
It’s Time to Turn Anger Into Action!
As sickening as it is, I whole heartedly believe many more people are enraged by this “alt-right” movement than are a part of it. But we must not be silent. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We all can take steps to combat bigotry and hate.
- Ten Ways to Fight Hate (Southern Poverty Law Center)
- Bias and Hate Crimes Information (Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations)
- Investigating Hate Crimes (FBI)
- NAACP
- NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference
- Philadelphia NAACP
- Anti-Defamation League
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Equality Pennsylvania