Support Anti-Racists Arrested in Graham, North Carolina

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Dozens of southern anti-racist activists organized a counter protest today, May 20, 2017, at a so-called “Confederate Memorial Day” rally organized by the white supremacist organization, ACTBAC (Alamance County Taking Back Alamance County). Three were arrested and given serious charges and high bail – the highest was $15,000.

The Alamance County Sheriff is a notorious racist. According to witnesses, Alamance police were seen shaking hands with known Klan members.  We need your support to support these anti-racist fighters.  Please make a donation to the Freedom Fighter Bond Fund.

What Happened

On May 20, 2017 anti-racist activists from across the south came at the request of local residents to challenge the so-called “Heritage Not Hate” event in Graham, NC organized by ACTBAC, a local “southern heritage group” dedicated to protecting Confederate monuments and who have been putting up large Confederate flags along major interstates. Around 75 people turned out for the event. Among those who gathered were skinheads and members of white supremacist organizations like Blood and Honor, Combat 88, and known Klan members.

Over 50 anti-racist activists from IWW’s General Defense, Louisville, KY’s Anti-Racist Action, and others assembled to protest the events with signs and banners that read: “Take Back from Who?” “Biscuits Not Bigots” “End White Supremacy” and “Black Lives Matter.”

Toward the end of the parade, three activists were thrown to the ground and violently arrested.  They have been given bogus but very serious charges, such as assault on a government officer and assault on a law enforcement officer.  Bail ranged from $1,500 to $15,000.

This is clearly designed to create a chilling effect on those who are challenging white supremacy wherever it rears its head. 

Alamance County Police and Sheriff are notoriously racist, protecting white supremacist residents and targeting Black and Brown folks, particularly Latinx immigrants.

• Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson was invested by the Department of Justice for racial profiling and using the 287(g) program to target immigrants.
• An analysis of traffic stop data showed that Latinx drivers were 10x as likely as non-Latinx to be stopped for routine traffic infractions and twice as likely to be arrested.
• Alamance County is a known hot-spot of white supremacist activity and organization.
• After Trump was elected,there were multiple reports of cars having “Victory Parades” flying confederate battle flags and shouting “white power!”

We salute those who gathered in hostile territory to stand up to hate.  We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates. For now, please donate to help cover the costs of the bonds for these three anti-racist freedom fighters.