Democratic candidate Mokah Jasmine Johnson is reaching out to the Athens community after a virtual public forum earlier this week was interrupted by a racist attack. The offender used a racial slur and other hateful language directed toward Johnson. She spoke with us about the incident.
++A warning, strong language follows.
“I was on a political zoom call with the Oconee Observer and in the very beginning, within less than three minutes, I was basically called a nigger. Someone zoombombed in and told me ‘Mokah, shut up you nigger,’ and at the time I found that to be appalling, I’m not surprised, but I found that to be very appalling and I believe that it needs to be addressed on a major level.”
As a result of that attack, Johnson, who is co-founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, is holding a ‘Stand Up to Racism’ rally this Saturday at the UGA Arch at 12 pm.
“So we decided to have this rally on Saturday to basically call people out and encourage people as well, to stand up and rise up against racism, all forms of racism, it doesn't belong in politics, and that is why I’m having this rally.”
Organizers are asking those attending to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Johnson is challenging District 117 Representative Houston Gaines.