Locals speak out against deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville

Nearly 100 people lined up on Reservation Road in Marina for an Anti-Racism Rally on Sunday to speak out against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that turned deadly.

“It lets America know that not everyone feels the same,” said Jacqui Smith with Women’s March CSUMB. “That it’s more of us that’s standing in solidarity, united, together than it is of them. We’re not going to stand for it.”

Protestors said the intent of the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, coupled with watching a car plow through counter protestors, set off emotions ranging from sadness to anger and a strong desire for justice.

“When you are told that you’re less, when you are told that your accent means you’re less intelligent, you try to blow it off and say fine whatever,” said Sandra Martinez of Soledad. “But when you see that translated into violence it really touches a part of you that was ok with looking the other way, and now you say no I can’t. I need to stand up.”

President Trump has addressed the events that unfolded at the rally.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides,” said Trump.

“I think that’s his way of just putting out a statement to put out a statement, but still supporting his own supporters,” said Anthony Rocha of Salinas.

According to reports by the Southern Poverty Law Center and FBI, the number of hate groups in the country has increased after the November election along with a rise in hate crimes reaching near historic highs.

“There’s a long history racism with Trump, he’s a racist,” said Anti-Racism Rally Organizer Adam Urrutia. “His election is waking all the racist in the country up and making them think that they have a safe space to spout their hatred, and they don’t.”

Some people at the rally told KION they do believe progress is being made in this country, but there is still a long way to go to change racist and discriminatory narratives.

“One thing that every individual can do is stand up in their daily lives against bullying, racism, sexism, anti-gay behavior, comments, jokes,” said Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado.

Some of the people at the rally said they hope the event leads to a larger cohesive effort towards fighting racism.

ORIGINAL STORY: People gathered on 200 Reservation Road in Marina Sunday for an anti-racism rally the day after the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

KION’s Maya Holmes is at the anti-racism rally Sunday in Marina and will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.