Columbia residents gather for ‘Hate is not Welcomed’ rally at Statehouse

Nearly 50 people gathered Wednesday for a “peaceful rally” at Columbia’s Statehouse. 

Attendees chants for “peace” and “justice” rang loud as a more controversial gathering was hours away at the nearby University of South Carolina.

The rally was called “peaceful” by organizers and called “Hate is not Welcomed in South Carolina.” It was hosted by the non-profit Carolina for All  in response to USC’s allowing a “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris on campus.

The provocative roast was hosted by USC’s chapter of the conservative organization “Uncensored America” with appearances from Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and alt-right personality Milo Yiannopoulos. The event led to a public outcry throughout Columbia and the state.

Gail Glover, a member of the NAACP’s Columbia branch, said she was upset USC allowed the event to be held on campus. 

“As a Black woman, I’m completely offended that they’re holding a rally,” Glover said. “I mean, I know there’s free speech, however I’ve not seen any other (vice) president referred to in such a derogatory way.”

Glover was not alone in her feelings. Tiffany James, the president of National Action Network of Columbia and rally emcee, said the event could set a precedent for further hate speech.

“Hosting this event amplifies the over-sexualization and dehumanization of black women and girls,” James said. “And they are sending a clear message that if they can do this to a sitting vice president of the United States and a potential President of the United States, then they can and will give others permission to continue to do this or worse to Black women and girls on and off campuses all over the country.”

Though the rally took place off campus, Tiara Bush, a USC student, attended to express her disappointment with university leaders.

“We just need to show that these people, they’re not going to intimidate us,” she said. “And we as black students, we have every right to be on this campus. And although the president and everybody else from the school may not want to protect us … we’re not going to be silent.”

While attendees expressed outrage, rally speakers such as state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, focused on promoting a more inclusive future.

“We are moving forward,” Johnson said. “Hate will not win. We will conquer this with love, with peace. This is exactly what we are here to do today. We will take back our state. We will do it with love and kindness, and the true spirit of people.”

Another Uncensored America event on Oct. 14 was approved by the university despite opposition from rally attendees and organizers, leaving dissenters disappointed.

Former USC student Courtney McClain told the crowd she was disturbed by what she sees as USC’s disregard for its own Carolinian Creed, the university community’s values statement.

“They are still going to allow (Uncensored America) to have another controversial event within a month of this event,” said McClain, who’s now a graduate student at Howard University. “And I think that speaks more to what the university is willing to have on its campus, as opposed to the Carolinian Creed it continues to bring up.”