NSM in MO. papers again

Response to neo-Nazis is discussed
Columbia residents brainstorm nonviolent means of protest.
By VANJA PETROVIC

March 5, 2007



About 50 Columbia residents gathered Sunday night to discuss what the community should do in response to a planned visit by the National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi group, on March 10.

First among the group’s goals was to keep young people, who group members think are most vulnerable to a heated reaction, out of trouble.

“Me and you know not to go over there, but what about the young people?” said First Ward Councilwoman Almeta Crayton. “I was more worried about our young people who don’t know the ugliness of what’s about to go on. I want to know what you’re going to do about my children.”

The discussion took place at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in response to reports that the National Socialist Movement will march in Columbia.

According to Steven Boswell, an organizer of the planned National Socialist Movement march, the group will protest what it says is MU’s promotion of “homosexuality, immigration, degradation and destruction of society” among students.

At Sunday’s meeting, Columbia residents brainstormed ways to respond to the parade. Residents were also concerned about not dignifying the neo-Nazis’ protest with attention they believe the group craves.

Suggestions included the following:




Having a news conference with community leaders and university representatives to draw more attention to their cause.


Offering an alternative celebration during the parade at a place like Douglass Park and Pool or the MLK Memorial Site.


Holding a counter-demonstrati on the day after the parade.


Asking movie theaters to offer free movies at the same time as the parade.


Holding a prayer vigil at the same time.


Organizing a fundraiser in which residents could pledge a certain amount of money to youth organizations and organizations that promote tolerance for every minute that the National Socialist Movement is in Columbia.


Asking schools, colleges and the university to notify their students of the parade and ask them not to attend.


Holding a basketball tournament at the same time as the parade.



“The key will be to make sure there is a campaign of making people aware of what they (the National Socialist Movement) are trying to do,” said Roger Worthington, MU chief diversity officer.

Another meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church to discuss the group’s progress.

Crayton, Wynna Faye Elbert, a member of the Frederick Douglass Coalition, and Worthington will meet with the Columbia Police Department at 2 p.m. today to discuss the parade. Everyone is encouraged to join them for support, Elbert said.

Crayton invited people to help support the group’s appeal to police.

“I am not afraid of anything, but I am not foolish enough to think that I can stand up to all this ugliness by myself,” she said.

It was also suggested that a town hall meeting should be held with police this week. For now the residents have a simple message for the group: “This is our community,” said Crayton. “We’re staying here. You can come and go, but we will not tolerate that ugliness.”