(NNPA) – Within 24 hours of the election of President Barack Obama, on Nov. 5, 2008, Benjamin Haskell, Michael F. Jacques Jr. and Thomas Gleason Jr., all of whom are white, set fire to the Macedonia Church of God In Christ, which is located in Springfield, Mass.
According to the Boston Globe, Haskell was asked by an associate why they set fire to the church. Haskell replied, “Because it was a black church.”
According to CNN, on election day former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Don Black stated that more than 2,000 people joined his website.
In the state of Texas, hate crimes have been reported within the last 12 months, and many more may go unreported out of fear of the Klan or other hate groups.
In May 2008, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in the Marshall area had “White KKK Power” painted on its walls. Also in June 2008, Center Hill Free Will Baptist Church of Nesbitt, Texas had KKK propaganda painted on its walls. The church is 107 years old. There have been at least four churches targeted in Texas within the last year by racial violence and intimidation.
Bob Lydia, the 1st vice-president of the Texas NAACP and a national NAACP board member, said, “There is a rise in the Klan. There is a movement of folks who never had interest in the KKK until Barack Obama became President Barak Obama.”
The Anti-Defamation League listed over 18 known hate group activities in the state of Texas for 2008. However, Texas is not alone in racial hate group activities.
On Oct. 1, 2008, in Oak Harbor, Washington, a thrift store owned by Unity Fellowship Church was vandalized and the statue of a black mother was decapitated. According to the Whidbey News Times, Pastor Fannie Dean has also been getting threatening letters from the KKK.
In April, the Bible Way Church in Sumter County, S.C., a predominately black congregation, had an upside down cross, swastikas and racial slurs painted on the church.
On May 8, in the Rapides, La. Area, a man named Jeff Duncan was arrested by the local sheriff’s department on weapons and narcotics charges after a raid on his home. At the time of his arrest, he had a Confederate flag with KKK on it, a homemade bomb and several firearms.
Youth dance ministry concert
Charley’s Body Shoppe CBS Liturgical Dance Ministry will celebrate 26 years with an annual concert Saturday, June 27 at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park’s Mildred Bastian Theatre.
The program, titled “Heal the Land with Honor & Glory,” will feature youth ages 3 to 18 and adults in dramatic graceful praise and worship.
In 1986 Charley Johnson opened the doors of CBS to middle-school youth allowing many to fulfill dreams of dancing. With support of major contributors like Ronald McDonald Charities, the “Hip Hop Jump Start” classes have been incorporated.
The program focuses on combating the onset of juvenile related diseases and illnesses associated with obesity and physical inactivity for youth ranging from 8-18 years old.
Show times on June 27 are 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets, call 314-367-2307
Community Baby Shower
Beyond The Hurt Ministries is presenting a Community Baby Shower and Life Resource Event for the St. Louis Community on Saturday, June 27 from noon to 4 p.m. The event will be located at the St. Louis Dream Center, 4324 Margaretta Ave. in St. Louis.
The keynote speaker will be Diedire Pujols who has a passion for Christ and passion to see young people lead quality lives. Alderman Antonio French will also speak.
The event is designed to not only provide participants with give-a-ways, but also to empower all those who attend. Vendors that will be there include Molina Health Care, Head Start, Father Support and Crisis Nursery.