Odin's Chosen in Fredericksburg

Hey, Fredericksburg: unfortunately, you have neo-Nazis in your downtown. Here's a picture post from Rebecca White's FB page that explains. 

McLeather LLC, a custom leather and tailoring outfit, shares its storefront at 1900 Princess Anne Street with Odin's Chosen, a white nationalist group to which owners Joe and Gretchen McGlade belong.

They aren't subtle or crypto— this is not dog-whistle territory. Odin's Chosen has a black sun in the front window and shares Goebbels quotes on their Facebook page. Their sole means of obfuscation is to deny, over and over again. And it seems to be working, at least with some of the media: the most prominent online news story about their shop and the local reaction to it, published by Fredericksburg.com, describes the clearly white nationalist symbols as "controversial" and "associated with" racist movements. These are weaselly phrases to avoid calling it what it is. 

If it displays Nazi symbols, subscribes to Nazi beliefs, and admires Nazi leaders, do you really buy that it's just an innocent neo-pagan group? 

There are some people mobilizing against the open white supremacist presence: notably, this includes Rebecca White, who's keeping a catalog of Odin's Chosen's online activities as well as picketing the storefront in person multiple times a week, and Solidarity Formation FXBG. (Ms. White's given me permission to share this info; she intends it to be public.) If you're in the area and want to get involved, reach out to either or both. 

"Voices from Charlottesville" Presentation and Panel Discussion

Thursday, September 28th 2017, from 6:30-8:30pm, at the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Library (101 East Franklin Street, Richmond VA), the Bijou Film Center and Richmond Peace Education Center are holding a presentation and panel discussion on the events of August 12th in Charlottesville. The event will begin with an exploration of the media perception of the Unite the Right rally and the counterprotests, followed by a panel discussion featuring those who were there. The discussion will cover approaches to opposing racism and fascism.

Free. For more information and to RSVP, see the link.

September 16th 2017: the "Confederate States of America II" is coming to town for a rally. Here's an event roundup.

As you all know, the Tennessee-based group "Confederate States of America II," a pro-Confederate organization who primarily seems to exist to sell Confederate-related merchandise, is holding a rally on Monument Avenue this Saturday. Here's an RVA Magazine piece on them.

While it's impossible to anticipate exactly how many people will show, and who they'll be associated with, the current estimate for the pro-monument group stands at 50. They will be open-carrying firearms. We do know that the organizers disavow neo-Nazis and the Klan, but are involved with the far-right militia movement. We also know that members of various white nationalist groups will be showing up anyway.

In terms of what we know about the police response: this event will be heavily policed, by RPD, state police, and possibly others. A large "assembly area" has been blocked off on Monument Avenue around the Lee statue. There is a substantial no-parking area. Police have said that they cannot restrict the right of attendees to carry guns, but that they would not tolerate other weapons like batons, pepper spray, etc, or even protective gear like helmets. They have said repeatedly that they anticipate making many arrests. Despite the clear precedence of the August 12th white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, the city has said that they primarily fear "violence by far-left demonstrators who identify as antifa, or anti-fascist"; I am interpreting this to mean that officers will take an especially harsh view of anybody who looks like they might be an antifascist. 

There are expected to be thousands of counter-protesters and people participating in related events. Here's what I know about.

Protest White Supremacy with the Defenders, held by the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. 8am-6pm, details regarding meeting up to be posted. "Many Richmond progressive groups have called for protests, some on Monument Avenue, some in other parts of the city. We support all expressions of anti-racism. For our part, we will be as near to the Lee statue as possible, with signs, banners and chants denouncing white supremacy and calling for the Confederate statues to be taken down." I have been with the Defenders since 2013, and will be marching with them.

Richmond Stands United for Racial Justice, with the Richmond Peace Education Center, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and First UU Church of Richmond. 8:45-11am, meet at the Maggie Walker Monument (approximately 100 West Broad Street, Richmond VA). There will be a rally for racial justice and rejecting the white supremacist foundation of the Lost Cause mythos, followed by a march.

The #BlocKKKparty, held by Shut It Down RVA. 9am-whenever, at the median at Monument Avenue and North Allen Street. A potluck-style community cookout, with the slogan "celebrate a human future— don't enshrine a racist past."

White Rose Demonstration, held by Community of Richmond Virginia (CORVA). Meets 8:30am at the Museum of Fine Arts (200 North Boulevard, Richmond VA). Participants will pass out white roses at the demonstration, a reference to the anti-fascist White Rose.

There are numerous options if you are unable to participate in a counter-demonstration. This is by far one of the largest:

Building a Just Richmond, hosted by a large coalition of local groups including the Interfaith Community of Greater Richmond, Diversity Richmond, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, and many more. 1-4:30pm, at the MathScience Innovation Center (2401 Hartman Street, Richmond VA). Following a plenary with speakers and a panel, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from several facilitated workshops designed to build skills to advance a just Richmond.

Court Support for Brandon and Jeff, Disrupters of Jason Kessler's Press Conference

The day after the August 12th Unite the Right rally, a white supremacist assault on Charlottesville which culminated in the murder of activist Heather Heyer, its architect Jason Kessler held a press conference. Jeff and Brandon ran him off. Next Friday they're going to court; let's show up to support them.

Here are the details: Friday, September 22nd 2017, from 10-11am, at the Charlottesville General District Court (606 East Market Street, Charlottesville VA). Remember that cell phones are not generally permitted inside court buildings; lock it in your glovebox or leave it at home.

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

"Confront the Klan: A Training for People Who Want to Protest," with the Virginia Civic Engagement Table

Wednesday, September 6th 2017, from 10am-4pm, at 26 North 8th Street, Richmond VA, the Virginia Civic Engagement Table is holding a training on how to protest white supremacist gatherings nonviolently.

This training will address how to decide when to show up, the different approaches to nonviolent protest, creative methods, planning, and practical skills for staying safe in the streets. However you decide to engage, you should be prepared, support a diversity of tactics, and work in a group.

Free, but you must register through the link provided in the event description. For more info, see the link.

Dance Class to Support Victims of Nazi Attack

Sorry about the late notice, been busy.

Tomorrow, Sunday August 20th 2017, from 1-2pm, at Electric Nomad Dance(109 West 15th Street, Studio 104, Richmond VA), noted local dancer and instructor Twila Jane Sikorsky is giving a class to benefit Black Lives Matter Charlottesville. Twila has toured and taught around the country, and you can see her perform on Sundays at the Crossroads Cafe on Forest Hill Avenue.

Beginners welcome, $5-15 suggested donation, all proceeds to BLM in Charlottesville. If you can't make this class, don't worry: this is the first of a series.

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Saturday's Fascist Attack

Tonight, from 8:30-9pm, at Abner Clay Park (200 West Clay Street, Richmond VA), Democratic Socialists of America - Richmond are holding a candlelight vigil to honor the injured and dead of yesterday’s fascist attack.

For more info and to RSVP, see the link. 

What is Fascism? A Discussion with the Black Rose Anarchist Federation

This Saturday, May 27th 2017, from 1-3pm, at Gallery5 (200 West Marshall Street Richmond VA), the Black Rose / Rosa Negra - RVA is holding a discussion on fascism, anti-fascism, and how anarchism ties in to the antifa movement. No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary. This is part of the federation's ongoing monthly educational series.

Free. For more info and to RSVP, see the link.

Seven Hills Autonomous Queers (SHAQ) Open Interest Meeting

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 19th 2017, from 8-11pm, at the Comm Room (3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA), there will be an open interest meeting for the Seven Hills Autonomous Queers, a new left queer collective. From the event description: 

"Seven Hills Autonomous Queers is a newly formed collective of queer and trans rebels, looking to grow and expand. We stand opposed to the constant onslaught of capital, the state, and the extralegal fascist forces who seek to destroy us and our communities. We are working to build strong, resilient infrastructure for queer safety and resistance against the authoritarian future we face. Won't you join us?"

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. 

Government Crackdown on Anti-Fascist Activists in Odessa, Ukraine: Americans, Write the Ambassador

Anti-fascists and progressives in Odessa, Ukraine are in serious danger: Alexander Kushnarev, the father of one of the 46 progressives murdered by neo-Nazis in the May 2nd 2014 massacre at Kulikovo Square, has been arrested on trumped-up charges by the right-wing federal Ukranian government. Activists fear that his arrest is the first of many more to come; everybody trying to get justice for the slain is now in great danger.

I know this doesn’t seem particularly relevant to us here in Richmond, but as people who oppose Naziism, we have to support those struggling against fascism everywhere in the world. What’s more, our own government helped to create this situation by backing the 2014 coup which put the hard right (including paramilitary neo-Nazi organizations) in power. We owe them our support.

Please familiarize yourself with this action alert from the Odessa Solidarity Campaign, and follow the enclosed instructions to contact the Ukranian ambassador to the US, Valeriy Chaly. The best chance we have to help our friends and allies in Odessa from here is to show that the world is paying attention.

SURJ Northern Virginia: Community Response to Hate Meeting

For people up in Northern VA: Tomorrow, Friday January 26th 2017, at 7pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA), SURJ Northern Virginia is holding a meeting to plan responses to white nationalist Richard Spencer's plans to open an Arlington office. 

Spencer (the guy who got clocked in the ear by an anti-fascist on inauguration day while giving a TV interview) is the president of the National Policy Institute, a white supremacist think-tank. Among another things, Spencer has publicly called for the genocide of Black people, organized an armed anti-Jew march in his home town, and advocates transforming America into a whites-only state. For more info and to RSVP, see the link.

For more info or to RSVP, see this link.

"What's Next After J20" Community Meeting Postponed

Notice: the "What's Next After J20?" Community Meeting has been postponed. The new date is as yet unknown. Follow the J20 Organizing Collective to get the update as soon as it's available. I will also post a notice.

Community Meeting: What's Next After J20?

Sunday, January 22nd 2017, from 6-8pm, in the Community Room at 3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA, the J20 Organizing Collective is holding a community meeting to address next steps for resisting Trump's agenda.

The meeting is open to the public, and will include reports from various actions that took place today, and conversation about moving forward. If you can't attend but want to contribute, you can e-mail the collective at disruptj20rva@gmail.com.

Childcare will be provided, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Street parking only. For more information and to RSVP, see the event page.

"What is #J20 Anyways?" An Info-Sharing Session on Mass Resistance to the Inauguration

Next Monday, January 2nd 2017, at 7pm, at Gallery5 (200 West Marshall Street, Richmond VA), ASH (Antifascists of the Seven Hills) is holding an info-sharing session on mass resistance against the presidential inauguration, which is coming up on January 20th. Protests, a national general strike, and more are being planned around the country. This event will be a chance to share news, get informed, make connections, and plan. 

Free, open to the public. Street parking only. 

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, click here. 

Preparing for the Trump Era: an Anarchist Perspective

Next Wednesday, December 14th 2016, from 6-9pm, at 3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA, the Antifascists of the Seven Hills (ASH) are hosting contributors to the CrimethInc Ex-Workers Collective, a decentralized anarchist collective active globally since the 1990s, for an evening of presentations and discussion on the 2016 Presidential election. From the event description: 

"How did Trump come to power, and what does that tell us about the era we are entering? What strategies will be effective in countering repressive government policies and the rise of grassroots nationalism? Framing Trump's victory in a global context, the presenters will explore various approaches to self-organization and self-defense, drawing on the principles of mutual aid and direct action."

Dinner will be served to attendees. Street parking only. Donations are requested. 

This looks like a really fabulous opportunity; the best fix for feeling powerless is to figure out how you're going to link up and fight back. 

For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, click here. 

Columbus monument splashed with red paint for Thanksgiving

The semi-annual Thanksgiving defacement of the Columbus statue near Byrd Park appears to have gone down in the early hours of November 24th, right on schedule. 

Richmond, Virginia 2016. Photo credit to Antifascists of the Seven Hills (ASH). 

Direct Action and Organizing Workshop 2 with ASH (Antifascists of the Seven Hills)

Tomorrow, Monday November 21st 2016, from 4-7pm, at the Richmond's Main Branch Library (101 East Franklin Street, Richmond VA), ASH, Antifascists of the Seven Hills, is holding another direct action and organizing training for people interested in resisting the new Trump administration and its policies. This event will be a repeat of the November 20th training, which saw high interest, not a part two. From the event description: 

"The workshop will focus on how to be safe, strategic and powerful while marching in the streets. It will also cover the basics of organizing to provide you with skills for building power with those around you to oppose the fascist agenda of Donald Trump."

The organizers are asking for a $5-10 donation, to go to the legal fund of 12 protesters arrested in Richmond on November 9th, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Open to the public. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

"Make America White Again" posters appearing around VCU's Monroe Park campus

They're advertisements for an alt-right neo-Nazi blog titled "the Right Stuff". This one was photographed on Laurel Street, near VCU's Johnson Hall, last week. 

A spray bottle of solvent and a putty knife will remove even wheat-pasted posters. 

Direct Action and Organizing Training with ASH (Antifascists of the Seven Hills)

Sunday, November 20th 2016, from 4-7pm, at the Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op (3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA), ASH (Antifascists of the Seven Hills) is holding a direct action and organizing training for people interested in resisting the new Trump administration and its policies. From the event description: 

"The workshop will focus on how to be safe, strategic and powerful while marching in the streets. It will also cover the basics of organizing to provide you with skills for building power with those around you to be oppose the fascist agenda of Donald Trump."

The organizers are asking for a $5-10 donation, to go to the legal fund of 12 protesters arrested in Richmond on November 9th, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Open to the public. 

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. 

What fascists operate in Richmond?

Below is my answer to a question submitted to the Active-RVA Tumblr. If you have a question you want to ask, the best way to reach me is at activerva@gmail.com. Here it is:

To my knowledge, there aren’t currently any openly fascist organizations operating in Richmond. However: 

The Traditionalist Worker’s Party, whose ideology is essentially fascist (they want an authoritarian white-only America where opposition to non-white immigrants unites whites across class lines), is trying to establish a chapter at VCU. To my knowledge, they’ve got like 2-3 students involved, but their activities are currently limited to fliering and posting in VCU-related Facebook groups. Their primary organizer is a philosophy student named Derrick Davis. 

The Virginia Flaggers are neo-Confederates whose primary goal is to put Confederate imagery on things. They mostly protest in front of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts a couple of times a week, organized armed patrols to protect Monument Avenue’s Confederate monuments from vandalism, and every year or so they raise a bunch of money to erect a huge Confederate flag somewhere visible to the highway. Their ideology is weird to pin down, because they very much buy into the “Heritage Not Hate” slogan, and even have a single black member they hold up against charges of racism. However, they’ve also got members who used to be with the Klan, a relationship with the League of the South (advocates modern Southern succession to establish a whites-only state), and are friendly with Matthew Heimbach (founder of the Traditionalist Worker’s Party, described above). 

Around the state, we’ve got chapters of the Ku Klux Klan and the Wolves of Vinland, a white nationalist group structured like a motorcycle club which is mostly a prison gang. They own property in Lynchburg. 

If you want to fight fascist and white nationalist organizations in the area, link up with the newly-formed Antifascists of the Seven Hills (ASH).