‘Unite the Right 2’ Plans Rally Outside the White House

August 12, 2018 Equality, Free Speech, Government, National News, Politics, Protest, Racism, Social Media

On Sunday, demonstrators are set to hold a “white civil rights” rally on the anniversary of last year’s “Unite the Right” protest, previously held in Charlottesville. A march is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m ET, starting at Washington’s Foggy Bottom subway station continuing on to Lafayette Square; the remainder of the demonstration is scheduled from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, taking place directly across the street from the White House.

‘Unite the White 2’, as it’s being referred to on social media, is an event planned by Jason Kessler, the organizer of last year’s deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Last year’s violent gathering was responsible for the killing of 32-year-old, anti-racist protester, Heather Heyer, and also took the lives of two Virginia State troopers whose helicopter crashed as they returned from monitoring the day’s events.

Members of 40 different anti-racism groups are also expected to protest at numerous locations; many planning to cover Lafayette Square before Kessler, and his followers arrive.

Shut It Down D.C. Coalition is producing a “Still Here, Still Strong” rally, and Black Lives Matter D.C. has scheduled a “Rise Up, Fight Back” protest to counter the ‘White Civil Rights’ group. Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” can be heard through speakers set up on the stage on the northeast side of the park.

Kessler and several other opposition groups have received permits from the National Park Service to demonstrate at the seven-acre enclave. This year, as many as 400 people are expected to show at the rally. Of those attending, several will include white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and Ku Klux Klan supporters.

In Washington, Police Chief Peter Newsham said his officers will keep the “Unite the Right 2” protesters and the counter-protesters separate. Newsham said no guns will be allowed near the rally sites, even if someone has a legal permit. Muriel E. Bowser, the Washington mayor, also activated the city’s emergency operations center on Thursday.

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Danielle Germain
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Danielle Germain (she/her/hers) is originally from Long Island, New York. She is a rising junior at The American University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and minoring in Political Science. She partakes in various activities on campus. Danielle is a Teacher's Assistant, the Vice President of Programming for Caribbean Circle, The Social Media Director and Web Manager for The Blackprint, Programming Coordinator for Founder's Week Committee, Senior Communications Strategist for AUSG Center for Advocacy and Student Equity or CASE, Secretary of the Junior Class Council and a Club Consultant for American University Club Council. After learning more about herself freshman year, Danielle became deeply interested in pushing diversity and inclusion forward. Since then, Danielle has started The Purpose, a bible study for students of color at AU. By creating a safe space on campus, she hopes that the voices of those who feel underrepresented are heard and also valued. In her free time, Danielle enjoys going to brunch and watching Gossip Girl. This past summer, Danielle served as the Corporate Communications Intern for Macy's Inc. Danielle has a passion for politics and a love for writing, and one day hopes to become a political commentator for CNN. She can be reached at dg0060a@student.american.edu.

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