COLUMBUS, Ohio — One week after a neo-Nazi demonstration on High Street, local faith leaders and community leaders gathered in the Short North to overpower the message of division with one of unity.
“We wanted as a Christian community to say loudly that we are a community that exhibits love in what we do and we do not believe in hatred or racism on any level,” said Pastor Victor M. Davis.
Unlike the neo-Nazis, they did not hide their faces.
Instead of carrying flags with swastikas, they carried signs with messages like, “We love our diverse community and each other."
“Our march is about freedom and standing up for what is right in our community and standing up for our people in our community,” said Pastor Rickey Lawson.
City Attorney Zach Klein joined in on the march. In a recent interview, he said there has been an increase in hate crimes in Columbus.
“If it crosses from free speech into criminal conduct, we will hold them accountable,” Klein said.
Columbus police said they have obtained video of the neo-Nazis using pepper spray during last Saturday’s march. If police can build a case, Klein said his office is ready to prosecute.
“If there is evidence and victims that would cooperate with the police to build cases of assault or something in the criminal realm, please work with police because my office stands ready to prosecute those to the full extent of the law,” Klein said.
No arrests have been made.
As the police investigation continues, faith leaders said it is important to continue combatting hate with love.
“My ancestors marched for this it is in my bones and the fight continues,” said Pastor Quentin Respress.