Winter commencement, Silent Sam protests intersect at UNC

At noon, Silent Sam supporters and opponents gathered at the university's McCorkle Place, where the statue once stood, to share their differing opinions. WRAL crews captured video of chanting and sound from speakers representing both sides.

Opponents of Silent Sam were blasting music in attempts to discourage the statue's supporters. Others were chanting on megaphones. Noisy, handheld sirens were also used by some protesters to try to silence others being interviewed.

The crowd came in waves, with protesters from both sides coming and going.

Prior to the protest. Facebook event organized by Heirs to the Confederacy advertised a pro-Silent Sam prayer and gathering planned for noon at 210 W. Cameron Avenue.

"We are going to show our respects to the Silent Sam monument and our ancestors," the event description read. "We will have prayer to honor them and a few words to pay homage to the lives lost and honored by the monument."

"UNC has granted permission to white supremacists to hold a racist rally in support of Silent Sam on the day of UNC Winter Commencement," the event read. "White supremacists have no place on UNC's campus. Come make some joyful noise in support of UNC grads - to congratulate Black, Latinx, indigenous, poor, immigrant, first generation, and otherwise marginalized UNC students who have accomplished so much, despite an administration that continues to literally make space for fascists, defend Nazis and uphold White Supremacy."

Silent Sam has been the site of protests for more than a year, even after it was toppled, and numerous people have faced criminal charges in connection with their actions during the demonstrations.

McCorkle place is located off E. Cameron Avenue close to the Morehead Planetarium.