Boston protests ahead of ‘free speech rally’ | Boston Herald – Boston Herald

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. Boston is my home and theyre coming here. I want to defend my home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nick Serpe, 29, of Cambridge said he was shocked by what happened yesterday in Virginia.

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.

Kristin Doyle, 23, of Framingham agreed.

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.

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Boston protests ahead of 'free speech rally' | Boston Herald - Boston Herald