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Stand Against Hate and Racism

Klu Klux Klan (KKK) affiliated group Honorable Sacred Knights (HSK) will be occupying Dayton’s Courthouse Square with messages of hate and intolerance Saturday 25 May.

Here is a quick guide for those who will be going into Dayton to counter their messages of hate. For some background see previous Columbus Free Press reporting.

The city of Dayton is hosting a useful event page, which includes links to an events page, and road closure page, even though the Dayton Mayor has advised the public to stay at home. Thousands of people are expected to show up to make a stand against a return to public lynchings and slavery.

For those who want to be a visible presence to the HSK, go across the street from Courthouse Square.

For those who want to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, go to the RiverScape MetroPark, where there will be an event to launch BLM Dayton.

For those who want to celebrate diversity but would rather avoid the vicinity of the HSK rally, there will be a series of events in McIntosh Park.

There will be many other smaller events and group events to counter the HSK message of hate. For example there will be a flash mob choir at close to 1pm near Statehouse Square put on by World House Choir. Food Not Bombs will be serving food.

Legal observers will be present, including Robert Fitrakis and Constance Gadell-Newton, who can be reached on 614-288-1082. If you have concern you or somebody you know may get arrested, you may consider writing this number on a piece of paper that you keep with you, or with pen on your person, or record the number in your phone.

The Dayton police has asked for your help on 25 May: The city said, “If you witness someone in need of medical attention, serious injury, or a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. If you see something that looks suspicious, contact 333-COPS or 225-HELP (both are non-emergency numbers to Regional Dispatch).”

Stay safe and don’t forget to have fun standing for a better world.