Media and Public Update: Rally Against Hate on October 24 in Riverside

A Riverside rally at 10 am on October 24 sponsored by dozens of community organizations will express "rejection of Nazi intolerance, racism and violence," reports Kevin Akin, spokesman for the community coalition. Nazis from the "National Socialist Movement" (NSM) have announced that they will be demonstrating in Riverside on Saturday, October 24, and the coalition intends to show that the Inland Empire rejects the Nazis.

"Our rally will be entirely peaceful," states Akin. "We will rally on the other side of the street from the Nazis, and we have been assured that there will be a large enough police presence to keep the Nazis from crossing the street. We will have an orderly, peaceful, disciplined demonstration, and will not permit anyone to participate who engages in violence or attempts to provoke violence. Our message is too important to let disruptions draw attention away from it." He says that the message will be conveyed through chants, singing, and signs in both English and Spanish. Some of the signs being prepared feature such slogans as "Tolerance Yes, Hatred No," and "Inland Area Rejects Nazi Hate."

At the same time as the community rally at Madison Street and Indiana Avenue, a picnic and play event for children will be held four blocks away at Villegas Park. When the Nazis leave, the demonstrators will march to Villegas Park and hold a "victory rally" with live music. Organizers ask that children not attend the rally at Madison and Indiana, but stay with a relative or guardian at Villegas Park until the march arrives. Demonstrators are urged to park at or near Villegas Park and walk to the rally. Organizers ask that each person bring a can or box of food to donate to local food banks, and put the food in collection boxes at Villegas Park.

Akin reports that organizers have been in contact with the Riverside Police Department and have secured permission to use the bandstand area at Villegas Park from the Riverside Parks and Recreation Department. He estimates that "about 40 monitors will help keep the demonstration orderly and effective." Final details of the "Rally Against Hate" will be settled at a meeting of representatives of sponsoring organizations on Wednesday, Akin reports.

For more information: Kevin Akin (951) 787-0318, cell (951) 675-2813 kevinakin1950@hotmail.com