2017 will apparently go out with protests in uptown Charlotte. The group Anticom plans what it calls a "March Against Communism" on December 28 in Marshall Park.
Scheduled speakers include white nationalist Richard Spencer, who helped organize the rally that turned deadly last month in Charlottesville, Virginia. On its website, Anticom calls on participants to “bring a torch” to the Charlotte event.
A counterprotest is also being planned. Jibril Hough with the Islamic Center of Charlotte says an event protesting racism and white supremacy will be held on the same day, also in Marshall Park. "We don't want Charlotte to be known nationally as a city that welcomes and ignores racism and racists," says Hough.
Hough rejects Anticom's stated premise for the December March. "I don't think Communism is thriving in Charlotte," he says. "They're really coming to Charlotte to promote racism and white supremacy."
Hough said he'll work to have security personnel and "peacekeepers" in place to help provide a buffer during the planned march and counterprotest.
In a Sunday Tweet, CMPD said Anticom organizers had not contacted the police department to request a permit for a December event.
