Hundreds march against white supremacy in Hillsborough

The community of Hillsborough gathered together Saturday afternoon as part of the March Against White Supremacy.

Posted 1:09 a.m. Sep 1, 2019 — Updated 3:28 p.m. Sep 2, 2019

Luke Notestine

, WRAL photojournalist

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Hillsborough gathered together Saturday afternoon as part of the March Against White Supremacy.

Hundreds of people participated by walking through downtown. They gathered at the Old Slave Cemetery to get ready to march. Without knowing exactly what to expect a crowd of about 700 began the walk from the Cemetery to the Courthouse.

The rally comes a week after members of the KKK came to the town while Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris was in Durham to speak at an event. Officials in Hillsborough said the KKK's presence wasn't expected and there was no documentation filed to gather and protest.

People from all walks of life came together to show solidarity.

“I’m here because I marched against the Klan in the 1980s," said Chari Smith. "I thought that was the last time I would have to do it. But if I have to be here again, I’ll be here again marching against hate until it’s over.”

After marching about a mile to the courthouse, the crowd was greeted with passionate speeches.

“So that more people will know the truth," Anthony Spearman said. "And the truth will, I said the truth will set us free!”

Heather Redding of Hillsborough Progressives Taking Action, said she was pleased with the turnout.

“I am so proud to see the diversity of the crowd," Redding said. "To see all these different groups and all these different organizations coming together to stand in solidarity.”

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