Cross burning in Charlotte, NC
CVK
Sad that this kind of thing is still so commonplace. An interracial couple in Charlotte, NC found a cross burning in their backyard recently. Police are trying to determine if it’s a hate crime. By the sounds of it, this isn’t the first act of intimidation the couple has faced:
Kim and Robert Mackey say their tires were slashed late last month. They say it happened again Monday night, and early Tuesday the grass in their backyard had been burned in the shape of a small cross.
New Yorkers like to think we’re immune from hate crimes like this, but as MMW told you, just last November, a cross was burned in front of an interracial couple’s house on Long Island, NY. There’s an alarming number of hate groups in the area.
lucy wrote:
no we in ny (even nyc) are not immune. when i go walking with my boyfriend i usually get 3 kinds of looks 1) curiosity, 2) smiles and approval and 3) disapproval and sometimes even critisism or disgust. thank God for the 2s, but everyone always has some kind of reaction, which non interracial couples don’t get at all. and another thing that makes me furious. that these horrible people use the cross to spread their little message of hate. as a multiracial person and a christian, i have to say that these people are most definitely not good christians and are not even true christians; i feel they do not deserve the title of christian. christ (who by the way, was not white) came to this world to save us from sin and hatred is a part of that. these people and their actions is a slap in the face of God and our Savior and I hope that someday they pay dearly for their hatred.
Posted 29 Apr 2005 at 3:04 pm ¶
Fire Angel wrote:
*…Police are trying to determine if it’s a hate crime.*
I’m sorry, but is there any doubt that was a hate-crime??
What do they mean they trying to determine…?!
I’m sure that burning cross is not part of a “Martha Stewart”-Patio set!
Posted 04 May 2005 at 11:54 am ¶
David Dixon wrote:
Action Center For Justice stands in complete solidarity with Kim & Robert Mackey against this racist hatred. The Durham, NC community is taking action in response to three recent cross burnings. This must end now!
David Dixon, Coordinator
Action Center For Justice
(also in an interracial relationship)
Durham, N.C.
600 protest racist cross burnings
By David Dixon
Published Jun 1, 2005 4:32 PM http://www.workers.org
On May 25, three seven-foot crosses were found burning in different locations in Durham, N.C. The first was outside St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Residents believe this church was targeted because of its open acceptance of the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community.
Another was found on South Roxboro Street. A third was across the street from the United House Of Prayer at Holloway and Dillard. Both sites are in downtown Durham.
Yellow fliers left at the last location read: “Gangbangers, local police have let your activities go too far. Take notice. You will answer to us. Sincerely, KKK.”
The next evening, people turned out by the hundreds at each location for vigils to protest what many called “domestic terrorism.”
Two hundred people came together outside the United House of Prayer. A tree was planted at the spot where the cross was burned to symbolize peace, love and solidarity among people of all races, sexual orientations, religions and so on.
Another 225 people gathered on South Roxboro Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Some 200 came out at St. Luke’s Church.
At the candlelight vigils, people spoke out against the previous night’s acts of racism and hatred. In addition to the note and obvious bigotry against the lesbian/gay/bi/trans community, some Black residents said they believe there is also another reason for the assault: a reactionary proposal to change the current rules for electing school board members, backed by the Concerned Citizens for Accountable Government and the Durham Regional Association Of Realtors.
The proposal would allow all voters to vote for every school board seat. This would diminish representation of African Americans and other oppressed people. Currently there are three designated geographical areas with Black majorities, which guarantees representation on the seven-member school board.
Durham residents made it clear that they won’t stand for more racist attacks. They want those responsible for the cross burnings punished. So strong is the community response that the city’s Human Relations Department has called for a citywide rally.
Yvonne Peña, head of the department, told the Herald-Sun newspaper: “We will not accept this kind of activity whatsoever. We’re a diverse community and we’re striving to overcome racial barriers.”
1,000 rally against cross-burnings
By David Dixon
Published Jun 9, 2005 7:22 PM http://www.workers.org
In response to community outrage against three cross burnings on May 25, Durham, N.C., leaders held a unity rally on June 5. Some 1,000 people of all nationalities packed the Durham Armory wearing blue ribbons to signify peace, unity and reconciliation. They held hands, sang and prayed.
The Southern Anti-Racism Network chartered a bus to pick up low-income residents. The city gave out free bus passes to those who wanted to attend the rally.
Residents’ reaction has been so strong that North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper told the crowd, “Cross burning with this intent to intimidate and incite violence is an act of domestic terrorism.”
The people made clear they will not tolerate these racist acts and want those responsible punished. A growing reward for the cross burners’ arrest is now at $22,000. Durham residents also said they will continue to hold anti-racist actions.
Posted 09 Jun 2005 at 10:44 pm ¶