Where: Thorfinn Karlsefni Statue, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
When: October 10th, 2015 @ 11:00 AM
What: Stand up to racist hate and bigotry of all kinds.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that Matter” – MLK Jr.
For the past 9 years, the city of Philadelphia has played host to a gathering of Neo-Nazis right under the noses of its residents.
This gathering, known as “The Leif Ericson Day Celebration” is organized, promoted, and attended exclusively by members of Neo-Nazi organizations. In past years the gathering has drawn upwards of 50 hardcore racists and fascists to Philly and served as an recruiting and organizing tool for the main organization involved, the Keystone State Skinheads (KSS).
In addition to KSS, past Leif Ericson day celebrations have been attended by members of the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC), The American 3rd Position Party/American Freedom Party (A3P/AFP), Volksfront (VF) , The Vinlanders Social Club (VSC) and the Hated Skins. All of those groups are considered hate groups by several independent organizations including the Southern Poverty Law Center, The Anti-Defamation League and the FBI. Furthermore, individuals who have attended past Leif Ericson day celebrations have been tied to racist terror organizations such as Blood and Honour and the KKK.
If past years are any indication, they will do a very short march in formation down lemon hill at Noon and attempt to lay a wreath and make speeches at the statue at the statue of Thorfin Karlson along Kelly drive.
After a massive turnout in 2013 to oppose that year’s event, KSS has worked to keep their plans very quiet to avoid having to face opposition whenever they come out. In 2014, they were successful in keeping those plans secret enough to hold the event without any opposition, but just this week, it was leaked that they are indeed planning something for this weekend. There is nothing publicly on the internet about it, no public announcement, and that makes it harder for people to organize against them, especially with a week’s notice.
Which is not to say we won’t try.
We hope to mobilize a huge continent of Anti-Racists, progressives, and all good people of Philly to the Thorfinn Karlsefni statue. THIS WILL BE A PEACEFUL PROTEST. Please bring any signs, banners, noise makers or drums in order for our contingent to block/drown out the hate-speech of the Nazis.
We intend to stand together in defiance of racism and all forms of bigotry. Won’t you join us?
In solidarity,
Philadelphia Residents Against Racism
PhillyRAR@gmail.com