SDS joins hundreds to protest KKK at Stone Mountain, Georgia

SDS joins hundreds to protest KKK at Stone Mountain, Georgia

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By Chrisley Carpio

Stone Mountain, GA - More than 400 youth, students, and anti-racist activists protested a “white power” rally by 12 members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and Southern Heritage in Stone Mountain Park, Georgia on April 23. The anti-racist protesters marched into Stone Mountain Park chanting as they prepared to confront the police. They successfully closed down the park and forced the cancellation of the “white power” concert originally scheduled for that night.

Law enforcement officers attempted three times to block protesters from marching into Stone Mountain Park, but were ultimately overcome. Over 100 police, National Guard, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) blocked entrances and protected the Klansmen. Stone Mountain has three Confederate leaders carved into the huge rock face and is where the modern Klan was founded.

“Cops and Klan go hand in hand!” and “When I say ‘cop,’ you say, ‘racist’”, protesters chanted in defiance of the repressive police tactics. Others chanted, “Black Power!” and “One Solution, Revolution!”

The cops made it clear they were there to defend the Klansmen against the protesters, and not the other way around. The cops faced down the anti-racists while wearing full riot gear, including some automatic weapons. By the end of the day, the police arrested eight anti-racist protesters.

Tom Jones from Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) drove to Georgia for the protest, “If we are striving for tolerance, it’s crucial to fight bigotry where and whenever it shows itself. A truly tolerant society doesn’t permit bigotry. It’s great that we rallied here today, to show the KKK that hateful, racist bigots are not welcome anywhere.”

Taina Pantoja of Tampa SDS, "The KKK is one of the manifestations of white supremacy and national oppression in the United States, which we need to combat in order to achieve liberation for Black people.”

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Drop the charges against anti-Klan protester Joshua Taft
Youth arrested while protesting the KKK at Stone Mountain GA

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By Raymond Franklin

Savannah, GA - Anti-racist activists are demanding charges be dropped against Joshua Taft, arrested while protesting the Klu Klux Klan. On April 23, over 400 anti-racist activists descended upon Stone Mountain, Georgia to protest about a dozen white supremacists and Klan members.

Police arrested nine anti-racist activists before noon, according to John Bankhead, spokesman for the Stone Mountain Park Police. Eight of the activists were charged by police for wearing hoods and masks with the intention to conceal their identity. Meanwhile, none of the Klansmen or white supremacists were arrested or charged, though also wearing hoods and masks.

The 21-year-old Taft was arrested as he stood near a barricade away from police. Heavily armed and wearing riot gear, police shot Taft twice with rubber bullets and then manhandled the Savannah youth. Taft was sent to DeKalb County jail and charged with aggravated assault. He appeared before a DeKalb County magistrate the following day.

Authorities are accusing Taft of throwing smoke grenades at law enforcement officials, as they stood protecting white supremacists and Klansmen from the anti-racist protest. Despite the accusations made by the police, videos and statements posted on various social media outlets contradict the official narrative. One eyewitness said, “It was not, could not, have been the accused. I am certain it wasn’t Joshua Taft.”

Phoenix Godwin, who protested the KKK at Stone Mountain, saw Taft putting out a small fire. He said, “Taft acted swiftly to end the fire due to his deeply held ecological concerns. Taft was even punched in the face by someone for desperately trying to put out the flames.”

As officers overwhelmed Taft, the crowd chanted, “Fuck the police!” He did not resist arrest. Protesters think police are trying to make an example of Taft in order to discourage future anti-racist protests in the state of Georgia. If convicted, Taft could face 20 years in federal prison.

Activists from across the country are calling for solidarity. Taft was released from jail on a $2500 bond, but faces a long legal process and trial. If you have any information regarding Taft’s innocence or would like to donate for his legal fees, contact [email protected].

Read more News and Views from the Peoples Struggle at http://www.fightbacknews.org. You can write to us at [email protected]