Scores of Hub residents who gathered on the Common last night to condemn the violence in Charlottesville, Va., say theyre prepared to return to the sitenext Saturdayto protest against a local Free Speech Rally organized by the man behind yesterdays white nationalist demonstration. <\/p>\n
Were trying to mass mobilize said a woman named Elise, a member of the Boston Feminists for Liberation, which organized last nights vigil. We hope to get as many people as we can. Boston is my home and theyre coming here. I want to defend my home. <\/p>\n
The Boston Free Speech Rally, set to begin on Boston Common at noon, is reportedly being organized by Jason Kessler, who led yesterdays protest in Charlottesville. <\/p>\n
As dozens of people chanted bash the fasc and no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA, demonstrators said theyre gearing up for a confrontation next week. <\/p>\n
Its clear that the far right feels emboldened right now, said Khury Peterson-Smith, 35 of Dorchester. I think that starts with the president. I feel confident that the majority of people in this city and this country oppose that kind of bigotry. I hope we can show that through our presence. <\/p>\n
Bonnie McBride of Boston said she worried that a large counterprotest would give them more of a voice but stressed she also didnt want to ignore it. <\/p>\n
If it doesnt affect you directly, its easy to turn your face, she said. Its important for those of us who are white to stand up against this. <\/p>\n
Nick Serpe, 29, of Cambridge said he was shocked by what happened yesterday in Virginia. <\/p>\n
I think a lot of people werent planning on taking them seriously until what happened in Charlottesville, he said. We feel as a community we need to respond. I think everyone will be on high alert but I find comfort and strength in numbers from the people who are out against those demonstrators. Were not afraid. <\/p>\n
Kristin Doyle, 23, of Framingham agreed. <\/p>\n
Its really important to be proactive and get involved, she said. Things keep getting worse and we need to take a stand together. Its obviously going to probably be huge and probably terrifying. But solidarity is important I think well be ready. <\/p>\n
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Boston protests ahead of 'free speech rally' | Boston Herald - Boston Herald<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Scores of Hub residents who gathered on the Common last night to condemn the violence in Charlottesville, Va., say theyre prepared to return to the sitenext Saturdayto protest against a local Free Speech Rally organized by the man behind yesterdays white nationalist demonstration. Were trying to mass mobilize said a woman named Elise, a member of the Boston Feminists for Liberation, which organized last nights vigil. We hope to get as many people as we can. Continue reading