Columbia groups denounce hate groups, violence in Charlottesville

On Tuesday, groups in Columbia said they want city leaders to denounce hate groups associated with this weekend’s violence in Charlottesville.

Race Matters, Friends and COMO for Progress held a small gathering outside of city hall.

The secretary of Race Matters, Friends said the group has been calling on Mayor Brian Treece and other officials to denounce the groups in Charlottesville.

“We want them to publicly say that they denounce white supremacy… that it is unacceptable in Columbia…and that people of color are going to be safe here as travelers and as residents,” -said Rachel Haverstick.

Treece attended a vigil for Charlottesville in Peace Park on Sunday. He later released a statement saying he was proud of Columbia confronting its own history in an honest way.

“In the past year, historic markers remembering the Sharp End Business District, honoring black soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and the lynching of James T. Scott on the Stewart Road Bridge have been placed,” said Treece. “In addition, the City of Columbia has embraced diversity, including implicit bias training for police officers, building inclusive community training for city employees, and a strategic plan that incorporates social equity in all levels of decision-making.”