Contact: Dr. Anthony Wade
Phone: 373-2038

Community Plans Constructive Alternative to National Socialists’ Presence

GREENSBORO, NC -- (August 25, 2009) -- In a meeting convened by the Greensboro Human Relations Commission on Monday, August 24, approximately 35 leaders of community groups dedicated to inclusion and respect met to discuss an upcoming organizational meeting of the National Socialist Movement at an undisclosed location in Greensboro.

“Greensboro has done so much to build a positive climate of acceptance and respect for all,” said Dr. Anthony Wade, Greensboro’s Human Relations Department Director. “We agreed that the best response to the presence of a group that does not hold these values is to work even harder to demonstrate and highlight this community’s commitment to the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.”

During the group’s meeting, activities and programs that highlight inclusion and diversity were identified such as “Other Voices,” a leadership development program sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce; “Anytown” by  the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of the Piedmont Triad;  “IMPACT Greensboro,” a partnership between the City’s Human Relations Department, UNCG’s Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnership, and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro as well as the Guilford County Schools’ Student Human Relations Commissions.

“These programs and others all represent Greensboro’s position on the strong belief that we control our own destiny, while proudly preserving our diverse cultural heritage and history,” said Wade.

Leaders neither plan to conduct nor promote any citywide demonstration to draw attention to the National Socialist Movement’s presence. Instead, individual leaders at the meeting planned to put energy into discussions of inclusiveness within their organizations and places of worship on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some will wear multi-colored ribbons on lapels to signify multiculturalism, respect for democracy, and free speech. Others plan to implement human relations study sessions and community-wide service projects in the coming months. Op-eds and advertisements are planned by the group to remind the community of our rich history of inclusiveness and commitment to respect and dignity for all people.

“If anything, this is a reminder that we must never rest on our laurels or be lulled into thinking that we can rest from the fight for justice,” said Wade. “We must be constantly vigilant in protecting the rights of all.”

Leaders present at Monday’s meeting included representatives of Baha’i’ Faith Church, Beloved Community Center, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Congregational United Church of Christ, a Greensboro City Councilmember, FaithAction International House, Greensboro Human Relations Commission, Greensboro Jewish Federation, City of Greensboro, National Conference for Community and Justice, Piedmont Interfaith Council, Replacements Limited, North Carolina Human Relations Commission, and area churches, synagogues, and mosques.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.