By Morgan Lawrence
Take ‘Em Down NOLA, the community organization that pushed for the removal of four confederate monuments in New Orleans, and members of New Orleans Peoples Assembly organization addressed the press today (Thursday, Aug. 17) at the steps of City Hall, to draw attention to growing the White supremacy movement as reflected by a demonstration by KKK members, Alt Right leaders and neo-Nazis, protesting the removal of a confederate statue in Charlottesville, Va., protests last weekend. Violence at the protest left one woman dead and 19 others injured.
Charlottesville ignited the fight against fascism and White supremacy. And to make a bold statement against racism, Take ‘Em Down NOLA wants the New Orleans City Council to consider an ordinance for the removal for ALL public symbols of White supremacy.
To bring awareness to their cause, the organization as planned a demonstration for 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, that will start at Congo Square (700 N. Rampart Street) and go to Jackson Square.
During the Thursday morning press conference, Malcolm Suber, a leader of Take ‘Em Down NOLA, shared his appreciation for 32 year-old Heather Heyer, the woman who was killed when a White supremacist slammed his car into a group of counterprotesters in Charlottesville last weekend.
“Heather Heyer is a martyr for our movement,” he said. “She was on the right side then, and she’s on the right side of history now.”