The presence of white supremacist groups, such as neo-Nazis marching in public spaces like the Short North will provoke strong reactions from various communities including African Americans and Jewish people, among others.

While some of our white allies may suggest to simply ignore attention-starved masked Nazis marching in our communities and dismiss them as “clowns,” this is easier said than done for African Americans and Jewish people. These events are viewed as deeply disturbing and threatening due to the symbols of hate and the ideologies these groups represent.

For African Americans: Fear, Anger and Historical Trauma

They may feel fear and anger, as these groups often promote ideologies that are explicitly racist and aim to intimidate minority communities. This can also trigger historical memories of racial violence (lynchings) and be a stark reminder of ongoing racial tensions and systemic racism.

For Jewish People: Distress, Alarm and Historical Trauma

Jewish communities might respond with distress and alarm since Nazi symbols and rhetoric directly invoke the horrors of the Holocaust. During World War II, the Nazi Party weaponized fear and intimidation as tools to exploit people’s insecurities and rationalize genocide.

More contemporary is how active shooters (who embraced historical Nazism) have targeted the Jewish community and will continue to do so.

Solidarity!

There will be a call for solidarity among minority groups to counteract hate and promote community resilience. The presidential election proved that some African American men – perhaps due to their desire for financial success – voted for a candidate who espouses white supremacy and has emboldened white supremacists. Last Saturday in the Short North proves that in living color. And so far, every announced cabinet member is white.

Hopefully, the masked Nazis will give those African-Americans and other minorities who voted for Trump buyers’ remorse.

Accountability: Uncovering Faces and Cowardice

Asking such individuals to uncover their faces is a demand for accountability and suggests that they should be willing to stand behind their beliefs publicly, rather than hiding. Covering their faces is an act of cowardice, suggesting that even those who march recognize the social unacceptability of their actions.

How should we respond? Call to Action!

Overall, these racist events often propel discussions on the importance of combating hate and fostering inclusivity and respect across different communities.

For many, this can serve as a rallying call to actively oppose hate through peaceful protest, community organizing, and advocacy for policies that combat extremist ideologies.

Community leaders and activists typically call for peaceful responses and efforts to ensure public safety and reinforce values of equality and justice, and they have done so.

This Saturday you have an opportunity to reinforce values those values that are dear to you. A host of churches and the local NAACP are asking those who are concerned to meet at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (555 N. High St.) at 11:30 am for “The Jericho March.”

My friend, peer and former mayoral candidate Joe Motil says it well in a recent Facebook post about this upcoming march.

“Now you have an opportunity to show solidarity against racism and hate this Saturday with hundreds of others by marching through the streets of Columbus. I hope you will join me while letting your voices be heard in unity!”

Progressive activist Cynthia Brown of Columbus leads The Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity.