MANCHESTER, NH – A community vigil is planned for Jan. 24 by a West Side community group, the Rimmon Heights Neighbors. It was planned initially in response to a racially-charged sign discovered on Jan. 17 on a fence in front of Parkside Middle School, on their home turf.
Although the sign, which referenced a website called the White Genocide Project, was immediately removed from school grounds, a second sign – this time, at Webster Elementary, which is located across the river, on Elm Street – was also removed by a resident last week, who reported the sign after hearing about the first incident.
That only bolsters the resolve of parents in the community like Dan Szczesny, who organized the vigil, and hopes others will feel as he does, that standing up for what’s right will send a strong message to whoever is trying to undermine the city with a divisive message.
Related story: School Superintendent sends home letter about racially-charged sign on school grounds
“Since news broke this morning that a second sign was found at another school, it’s clear that the cause of community unity is a city-wide concern, and we hope that citizens from all quarters of Manchester join us Tuesday in a show of support toward the diversity that makes our community great,” Szczesny said on Monday.
He says it really doesn’t matter whether the message is coming from an individual or group; the community rejects the outward sign of intolerance in a city that has always celebrated its diversity.
“Any sort of intimidation or racially-charged speech is bad enough, but the fact that these signs specifically targeted schools and children should be of particularly troubling concern to parents and families in our community,” Szczesny said.
The White Genocide Project site explains the term, and the group’s philosophy in detail here, railing against what it terms “forced assimilation.”
All are welcome to attend Tuesday’s vigil, which may coincide with some winter weather. Szczesny says the gathering is casual yet focused, and that there will be some speakers. Signs encouraging peace, love and coming together are welcome – and anyone who wishes to contribute light refreshments should feel free.
