How you can help fight the neo-Nazi rally happening this weekend
On August 12th, 2017, Americans watched in horror as a mob of white supremacists led a violent rally on the University of Virginia campus, causing the death of peaceful counter-protester Heather Heyer and the injury of 19 others. Now, one year later on Sunday, August 12th, 2018, the alt-right is planning a “Unite the Right 2” rally in Washington, D.C. Here’s how you can help those trying to stop it.
According to USA Today, about 400 white supremacists are expected to gather in Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square for “Unite the Right 2,” which will last from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time. Although the group behind the rally originally requested a permit to gather in Charlottesville again, the city denied their requests.
BBC News notes that David Duke, the former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, will speak, among others. This year, the neo-Nazi gathering has been banned from carrying open-flame torches or holding a march.
Thankfully, many opposed to the dangerous positions held by the alt-right are planning to fight back. CNN reports that 40 anti-racist groups will gather near Lafayette Square at the same time. The Shut It Down D.C. Coalition will produce a counter-protest starting at 12 p.m. that will feature “vibrant displays of art and culture to show the diversity and power of united communities in the face of right-wing violence.” Black Lives Matter will host its “Rise Up Fight Back Counter-Protest” from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., a block away from “Unite the Right 2.”
Support mass action against the KKK and Nazis at their Unite the Right Rally in DC Aug. 12! #AllOutDC
— ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) August 7, 2018
What’s more, The Daily Beast reported that Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft have all said they plan to refuse service to those connected to the white supremacist rally.
If you can’t attend the counter-protests in D.C. this weekend, there are still plenty of ways to show your support. The anti-fascist group It’s Going Down has a list of protests, candlelight vigils in honor of Heather Heyer, and other events happening throughout August that you can attend. And The Action Network also has a similar list of cities hosting counter-protests this weekend.
We've added a quick and easy resource tab for #AllOutAugust on our main menu that features over 15 upcoming antifascist events from #Toronto, Canada, to #Charlottesville, Virginia. Check it out and add your event! https://t.co/t0q71TiX5B pic.twitter.com/eOleBR6MCI
— It's Going Down (@IGD_News) August 10, 2018
Additionally, you can always donate money to organizations like Shut It Down D.C., Black Lives Matter, or DefendDC that are committed to fighting racism. You can also consider giving to the D.C. National Lawyers Guild and Law4BlackLives D.C., which will be providing legal support to any counter-protesters arrested on August 12th.
We are just days away from white supremacists descending on DC. If you can’t be here, you can still contribute to the cause. Donate to our Organized Resistance Fund here: https://t.co/2AQUHSjFKF
— Black Lives Matter DC (@DMVBlackLives) August 10, 2018
Even if you can’t attend a counter-protest or donate money, you can help fight back by sharing information about these counter-protests on social media, or even by creating an event of your own.
To all those fighting white supremacy this weekend, we support you, and we’re standing alongside you.
