The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement is holding a ‘No Place for Hate Rally’ Thursday evening at the UGA Arch. Organizers like Aditya Krishnaswamy say the removal of the confederate memorial from downtown is just part of their efforts.
“The whole movement was always more than just a monument and we need to show that there are so many issues that Black Athenians are facing and there is so much more to do in the fight for racial and economic justice so we’re holding this rally to keep the momentum,” Krishnaswamy said. “And we wish sometimes that the same amount of attention that was given immediately to the COVID response had been given to the ongoing epidemic which is racism in this country.”
AADM began the process of seeking the removal three years ago.
While everyone is invited to attend, and social distancing measures will be practiced organizers urge certain supporters to view virtually.
“So we ask that people who are elderly or immunocompromised stay home and we will stream om the AADM page.”
District 2 Commissioner Mariah Parker is also attending the rally. She battling for better conditions for employees.
“The fight for racial justice is multi-faceted and one of the most pernicious ways in addition to the violence that we often experience at the prison industrial complex, one of the other most pernicious forms of racial violence we experience is economic exploitation as well, low wages and unfair working conditions,” according to Parker.
The rally takes place Thursday evening at 6 pm.
