Ever since Donald Trump clinched the presideny two weeks ago, much of America has been in disarray. As the White Nationalist movement seems to be rising from the shadow of the arrogant and bigoted remarks that the President-Elect made on his campaign trail, distraught progressives have gathered to protest in cities across the country.
These anti-Trump rallies have been given merit by the increasing amount of racially charged vandalism spreading across the country, which has even made its way to the liberal safe-haven of New York City. Last week, unknown vandals defaced Adam Yauch Park in Brooklyn Heights, spray painting swastikas and pro-Trump statements. Following the vandalism of the park, named after the late legendary Beastie Boy Adam “MCA” Yauch, hundreds of New Yorkers decided to gather for community meeting-turned-rally against hate speech.
The rally, which took place on Sunday, hosted around 500 protestors who came to speak against hate and racism in New York City and around the country. A number of local government officials, including state senator Daniel Squadron, congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, and city council members Stephen Levin and Brad Lander, spoke out at the rally. But what really got the crowd energized was the speech by fellow Beastie Boy member Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, who took the megaphone and launched a his potent message:
"I'm assuming that we're all here today 'cause we're thinking the same thing: spray-painting swastikas at a children's playground is a messed up thing to do… This is about hate crimes towards Muslims soaring to their highest levels since 9/11. We elected a president that is giving our children the message that it's OK to attack people of color. This is real. We've gotta stand up against hate. If you're able to give money, give to Black Lives Matter. If you're able to protest, protest. If you're able to volunteer, volunteer."
The powerful statement continued with Horovitz inspiring musicians and artists to use their talents to fight back against hateful rhetoric, as well as stating that he staunchly rejects Donald Trump’s vision of America. Following the speech, borough president Eric Adams led a crowd sing-along of “We Shall Overcome”. After a handful of other speakers, the crowd went on the chant ”Not in our country! Not in our name!”, as well as a final sing-along of Woody Guthrie’s famous song “This Land Is Your Land”.
Needless to say, the fighting spirt of New York City was clearly alive and well at Adam Yauch Park this past weekend. Fueled by the rambunctious soul of the fallen Beastie Boy, the 500 or so protestors gathered to deliver a strong message; that racism and bigotry has no place in the United States. It would probably be wise for Mr. Trump to heed their warning and publicly denounce the distasteful actions of his supporters sooner rather than later.
