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Posted: May 30, 2003
Chicago, IL, May 29….In advance of the upcoming white supremacist rally scheduled for this Saturday,
May 31st at Janura Park in Berwyn, IL, the Anti-Defamation League has been in contact with local law enforcement agencies and community leaders to underscore the importance of appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of all involved and to encourage community displays of solidarity illustrating that there is no place for hate in Berwyn.
"As disruptive as it is to a community, extremist groups have the First Amendment right to spread their message of hate. Domestic extremism is alive and well in America and hate organizations still pose a serious threat," said Richard S. Hirschhaut, ADL's Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Regional Director. "We encourage Berwyn residents to steer clear of this rally; rather, they should focus their energies on embracing the diversity found in their community. We hope the community will find its voice and together condemn the hateful messages of these extremists in a constructive and peaceful way."
The following hate groups will be represented at the May 31st rally:
National Socialist Movement - With contact points throughout the United States, the National Socialist Movement, led by Jeff Schoep in Minneapolis, is a neo-Nazi organization that believes in racial separation and minimal intervention of government into the lives of citizens.
National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - The Imperial Grand Wizard, Ray Larsen, leads the National Knights, which is based in St. Joseph County, IN. Larsen's son, Rick Loy, serves as Grand Dragon of the National Knights for Indiana. Loy lives in a suburban subdivision on property that has become a popular gathering place for white supremacist and skinhead activity, including multiple cross burnings and rallies, as well as paramilitary activities.
Creativity Movement - The Creativity Movement, formerly known as the World Church of the Creator (WCOTC), is a white supremacist group that considers itself a religion founded on the premise that the white race is "nature's highest creation" and that "white people are the creators of all worthwhile culture and civilization." Matthew Hale, the leader of this hate group, is currently in jail awaiting trial for soliciting the murder of a federal judge and obstruction of justice. In July 1999, WCOTC follower Benjamin Smith went on a two-state shooting spree that left two dead and nine wounded.
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