A day after neo-Nazis took to the streets waving Nazi flags and chanting racial slurs and white nationalist slogans, black leaders and local residents marched in solidarity in Columbus, Ohio.
The Rev. Derrick Holmes, senior pastor at Union Grove Baptist Church in Columbus, said members of the congregation approached him as he marched down North High Street, dressed in black with red masks and carrying black flags with swastikas. They shouted: “Bow down! [N-word]” and other racist chants as they marched through the state capital’s Short North Arts District.
“Actually, two members were in the Short North area and their main feeling was fear,” Holmes said. “There was a feeling of sadness. “They are older… so it has transported them to a time when they thought the country was over.”
President Joe Biden condemned the march and White House press secretary Andrew Bates said Nazism was “the enemy of everything America stands for.” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginter. and other city leaders condemned neo-Nazis in statements and on social media.
But black people like Holmes wanted to do more and send a message of solidarity, they said. On Sunday afternoon, attorney Sean Walton Jr. joined Holmes and other local residents from 100 Black Men of Central Ohio, a service organization that mentors young black men.
A group of black leaders and local residents marched through Columbus, Ohio, in a “unity” rally.Dear Sean Walton Jr.
Dozens of men marched side by side down North High Street, many of them dressed in black. They were mostly silent, shaking hands and smiling at each other. Brian Winston, president of 100 Black Men of Central Ohio, and Walton led the group and posed with their fists raised at the end of the march.
“It was basically about bringing black men together to allow our black women, our children and anyone who is afraid or fearful of what they are seeing… to lead them with solidarity and love,” Winston said. who called Walton to help organize the event.
Walton said he was in Houston over the weekend and rushed home to see his wife and children when he heard about the neo-Nazi march. He said the atmosphere among Black Columbus residents is one of fear and anxiety, with many wondering if they are safe in the city. But Sunday’s walk helped ease the frustration, he said.
“I think a lot of attention has been paid to fear,” Walton said. “What we did on Sunday changed the tone of the entire weekend. If anything, it made us stronger. “I think it’s kind of a test of whether we can come together in the face of threats to our civil rights, our human rights and our way of life.”
in an advertisement a statement posted on social media on MondayColumbus police said officers responded to calls about a neo-Nazi rally, but “available evidence does not support criminal charges.” They said evidence suggests pepper spray was used, but “no probable cause has been established for any arrest.” They said the incident is still under investigation.
The Columbus Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chief Elaine R. Bryant said in a statement that law enforcement must protect constitutionally protected acts “no matter how hateful.” He added: “No one should face bullying or harassment in our community. “We are committed to making Columbus a city where all residents feel welcome and safe.”
Dozens of men marched side by side down North High Street, many of them dressed in black.Dear Sean Walton Jr.
Holmes, Winston and Walton say the presidential election results and Donald Trump’s rhetoric have fueled neo-Nazi behavior. Earlier this month, protesters waved Nazi flags outside a Michigan production of The Diary of Anne Frank, shocking performers and viewers.
Far-right groups have made headlines in Ohio in recent months. A white nationalist activist in Springfield has taken on the false narrative that Haitian immigrants in the city are stealing and eating pets, something Trump has repeated during presidential debates and campaign rallies. Police said there was no evidence for the claim.
Right-wing extremism has increased dramatically since 2016, according to the study He linked Trump’s rhetoric about racial and ethnic minorities to vigilantism, hate crimes and more. After the election, white nationalists, the Proud Boys, Christian supremacists and right-wing conspiracy theorists praised Trump’s victory, saying they saw it as a victory for the far-right vision of America. According to the Washington Post. In 2017, Trump said there were “very fine people on both sides” after a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that resulted in the death of a counterprotester.
Hay Trump denied the charges that encourages extremism or that has Nazis and fascists among its supporters. “President Trump has the support of Latinos, Black voters, union workers, angel mothers, law enforcement officers, border patrol agents and Americans of all faiths,” the campaign spokeswoman said. , Caroline Leavitt, in a statement.
Oren Segal, vice president of extremism at the Anti-Defamation League Center. said the New York Times A St. Louis-based group called the Hate Club took credit for Columbus’ march.
John Lewis, a researcher at George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, said in an interview that the groups may have different names, but they share white nationalist ideologies.
“I think ‘courage’ is the best way to describe it,” Lewis said. “Neo-Nazis and white supremacists feel they can act with impunity, mobilizing on the streets of towns and cities across the country to incite hatred and spread fear primarily among non-white communities.
“At the end of the day, it’s about instilling fear and hatred. These groups are designed to make the average non-white American feel unsafe in their everyday lives.
* How can individuals and communities effectively balance acknowledging the realities of historical and present-day racism with creating spaces that promote unity and healing?
## Open-Ended Questions for Discussion:
Here are some open-ended questions divided into thematic sections, encouraging discussion and diverse viewpoints:
**1. The Neo-Nazi March & Public Response:**
* How did the neo-Nazi march make you feel? What are your thoughts on the imagery and slogans used by the group?
* The article mentions that some Black residents felt transported back to a time when they thought the country was over. Can you connect to this sentiment? How do historical echoes of racism and hate influence the present?
* Some argue that condemnation of the neo-Nazis is sufficient, while others feel stronger action is needed. What are your thoughts on the adequate response to such demonstrations? What role should law enforcement play?
* The article mentions that Columbus Police stated there wasn’t enough evidence for criminal charges. Do you agree with this assessment? How can we balance freedom of speech with the need to protect vulnerable communities from hate speech and intimidation?
**2. Solidarity and Resistance:**
* How did the Black community’s response to the neo-Nazi march make you feel? What message do you think they were sending through their actions?
* What are the challenges and complexities of responding to hate with unity and love, as advocated by the Black leaders in the article?
* Do you think marches and demonstrations are effective ways to counter hate and intolerance? What other strategies could be employed?
* The article mentions that fear is a major emotion circulating within the Black community. How do you think fear can be channeled productively to create positive change?
**3. The Rise of Right-Wing Extremism:**
* The article links the rise of right-wing extremism to the rhetoric and policies of Donald Trump. Do you agree with this assessment? How has the political climate contributed to the normalization of hate speech?
* What are the underlying societal factors that contribute to the rise of neo-Nazism and white supremacy? How can we address these root causes?
* What role do social media and the internet play in the spread of extremist ideologies? What can be done to counter online hate and misinformation?
* Looking to the future, what steps can we take, both individually and collectively, to combat racism, intolerance, and hate speech in our society?
**4. Considerations for Dialogue:**
* How can we create safe spaces for open and honest conversations about race and racism?
* How can we ensure that all voices are heard and respected, even when we disagree?
* What are the limits of free speech, and how can we balance freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable groups?
Remember, these are just starting points. The goal is to foster thoughtful discussion and understanding. Be open to different perspectives, actively listen to others, and be willing to challenge your own assumptions.
