In a powerful display of unity and resilience, 30 East Lyme residents came together and organized a protest to peacefully rise against two white supremacy banners that were posted on the 1-95 overpass. The banners displayed mottos connected to a prominent white supremacist group.
Banners were hung from highway overpasses in Norwich and East Lyme Oct. 11. The first banner, which read, “Life Liberty Victory,” was displayed on I-95, and was promptly taken down by police.
Another sign with the message “Reclaim America” was posted on I-395, and was removed by the state Department of Transportation. The sign was associated with the organization “Patriot Front.” Patriot Front is a white supremacist group who believe that their ancestors who conquered America belong to them, and no one else. Patriot Front spreads its hateful message through the internet and banners as well as fliers, posters, and stickers that share their message.
While no charges have been filed for hanging unpermitted signs on the highway, local Southeastern CT Organization for Racial Equity, (S.C.O.R.E.) organized a protest against this message to show that there is no home for hate in the community of East Lyme.
At the peaceful protest, several people took to the microphone and spoke their minds about how this act of hate made them feel. Some shared their personal experiences with racism and how East Lyme can come together to combat it.
“I spoke about the need to stand together to create a society where every individual is valued, respected, and embraced. Others spoke about their experiences encountering racism and bias against them because they were a person of color. And my 9-year-old son decided to speak about the need to fight injustice and speak up against hate, even if sometimes it feels like nobody is listening,” S.C.O.R.E. affiliate Esteban Garcia said.
Some who were in support of the protest could not make it but still wanted to create change. Even if they are unable to attend these events, posting support on social media, voting for officials who denounce hate, and making donations to organizations like S.C.O.R.E. who are fighting for change can help. “(Those who cannot protest but still support S.C.O.R.E.) can write an op-ed in the local paper, vote for officials who support anti-bias initiatives, educate family and friends. Spread the word,” one of the S.C.O.R.E. directors, Nickie Desardo said.
“…I think [these protests] also share with the public the kind of community we want to have, [and] sends the message that we are a welcoming, inclusive community that won’t stand for hate,” Ms. Desardo said. By organizing protests, having difficult conversations, and speaking out against hate, S.C.O.R.E. hopes to make East Lyme a safer community.
“My hope is to create awareness that there are people and groups around us trying to sow hate. We must be ever-vigilant to ensure that East Lyme remains a place where people can feel safe and welcome regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity,” Mr. Garcia said.
