MIN 12-05-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Angelina Steiner Location: Submitted At: 1:39pm 12-05-22 This past Saturday, December 3, a Drag Story-time was cancelled due to threats of a protest by the Ohio Chapter of the Proud Boys. Despite the event's cancellation, the Proud Boys made an appearance in the nearby neighborhood. The event was ultimately cancelled due to a lack of police support. Columbus City Council has put out a statement condemning the extremist group prior to the Saturday's planned event. Later that evening, in a different state, an act of'vandalism' (what the media is reporting and stating but I and others are naming it for what it was, terrorism), caused an electrical disruption to 40,000 residents in Moore County, North Carolina. Why the disruption? This was after threats had been made directed at an 18+ Drag Show event. I am saddened at the lack of public condemnation of both of these acts of terrorism and I am imploring City Council to strongly condemn bigotry and hatred and call out white supremacy for what it is. DHS has issued a warning that domestic terror is a threat to LGTBQ, Jewish and migrant communities - all of which encompass within and call Lakewood home. What is Lakewood doing to protect these populations (as well as it's BIPOC community), from being targets of domestic terrorism at the hands of extremists? Ignoring subtle 'ques' of prejudice, biogotry, hatred and acts of racism is what elevates white supremacy. Being afraid to name it is a problem. It is far time to name it and call it out for what it is.