What do you do in the face of bigotry?
Tomorrow, the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement group has a permit to rally on the state Capitol steps, and protestors are expected to gather nearby.
But Ann Van Dyke has another answer. She has helped organize a “Speak Up for Unity” program, held not in the vicinity of the Capitol, but at Harrisburg High School.
Van Dyke, chair of the Rapid Response Team at the Community Responders Network, said that attending the white supremacist rally to protest would play into the hands of the white supremacists.
“These groups are very good at inciting violence without creating violence” said Van Dyke, who has more than 20 years of experience working against hate speech. “Police will have to protect the group who has the permit to protest.”
Saturday’s event, moderated by City Council member Shamaine Daniels and Capital Area School of the Arts student Nick Byrd, will include drum performances, rappers and singers. Speakers representing many faith groups will give words of peace and love.
The Community Responders Network, Christian Churches of the Tri-County Area, Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg sponsor this event.
The event will give children the precedent that love conquers hate, organizers said.
“Our young people will be setting an example this Saturday,” said City Council Member Cornelius Johnson. “While others choose to speak out against diversity, we choose to embrace it.”
If you go:
Saturday, Nov. 5
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Harrisburg High School
2451 Market St., Harrisburg
For more information, visit www.speakupforunity.org or the Facebook event.
Author: Danielle Roth
