As an elected leader, as a Jew, as an American, I denounce white supremacy.
Many of us are confronted on a daily basis by racism and anti-Semitism fueled by white supremacy and are forced to fight it on every front. And a president who does not call out fascism and racism–and by remaining silent, he is supporting it–sends a signal to white supremacists that it’s okay to come out from the shadows. I refuse to remain silent.
In the District, we are no strangers to the effects of overt and institutional racism. That is why the District government has some of the strongest laws in the country protecting the rights of all, and why we work every day to dismantle white supremacy in all its insidious forms. We value inclusion, diversity and pluralism, because we know they make us stronger and are at the core of what it means to be an American. The Council unanimously affirmed this commitment in the wake of the president’s election.
As Ward 1 Councilmember, I represent the most diverse ward in the District. One of the most important parts of my job is to make good decisions on behalf of my entire constituency, to work for the most vulnerable, those who don’t feel worthy of assistance, or don’t feel able to ask for help. I will not stand by as we are threatened by the same dark forces that left destruction, terror and mayhem in their wake in Charlottesville, VA.
I have been in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Department, which is responsible for safety the day of the event and they have put plans in place to maintain safety and security. If you would like to counter protest on the day of the event, events on the Mall that will not commingle with the white supremacist rally are perceived to be the safest. Confrontation that leads to media attention only plays into the hands of extremist groups and physical proximity increases the likelihood of violence. Please be safe.
Additionally, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Congressman Jamie Raskin are holding a teach-in and interfaith vigil this Friday, August 10 from 3-6 p.m. The event will focus on the effect of extremist groups in American communities and effective ways to push back against the spread of hate.
White supremacy is not and will never be welcome here.