VERO BEACH — A rally held in response to the deadly violence at a white nationalist gathering in Virginia brought out several community leaders who spoke out against hate.

The “love” rally was held at noon at the steps of the Indian River County Courthouse, 2000 16th Ave., Vero Beach. About 50 to 100 people attended the event that had seven speakers, including church pastors, community activists and the mayor of Vero Beach.

“You can’t legislate love, but you can request respect,” said mayor Laura Moss at the rally. “One of the things I love about this city is that we do respect each other here. We all should be proud of our city.”

She said the government can’t fix everything, but God and faith can. Moss encouraged attendees to go to a church of their choice.

The rally was organized by Compassion Vero, a local organization dedicated to spreading respect, acceptance and inclusion in Vero Beach. Some people at the courthouse held up the American flag while others held up signs that read “spread love, end hate.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY WRITER NICK SAMUEL

A moment of silence was held for Heather Heyer, 32, of Charlottesville, Virginia, who was killed Saturday after a car crashed into a crowd of peaceful counter protesters leaving a “Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville.

Compassion Vero member Scott Alexander hosted the event. The other speakers were Rabbi Michael Birnholz, Muslim leader Victor Begg, Reverend Dan Holloway of Unity of Vero Beach, Reverend Joe LaGuardia of First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, Claudia Jimenez of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach and community activist Merchon Green.

Green spoke about unity within the community, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender and party affiliation.

“We must unite together because we are stronger together,” said Green, founder of Pioneering Change, Inc. She also spoke about holding people accountable who use ideologies that influence hate, bigotry and discrimination, including elected officials, family and friends.

Love Rally

Community activist Merchon Green spoke at a love rally August 16 at the Indian River County Courthouse in #VeroBeach. About 100 people were in attendance, including Vero Beach Mayor Laura Moss.The love rally was held in response to the deadly violence from the white nationalist rallys that took place in #Charlottesville Virginia this past weekend.

Người đăng: Nick Samuel vào 16 Tháng 8 2017

The rally ended about 1:30 p.m. Security from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office also was at the event.