BY EDWIN FRUIT
PITTSBURGH -The American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, from Jefferson Country, Pennsylvania, plan to rally for "white power" in downtown Pittsburgh, April 5. In response, two counterdemonstrations are being planned. The Coalition to Counter Hate Groups is sponsoring a "Celebration of Unity" in Market Square, several blocks from where the Klan plans to assemble.

Another demonstration being planned by the Grant Street Anti-Klan Coalition intends to demonstrate across the street from the Klan at the City-County Building on Grant Street at 12:30 p.m. This coalition, composed mostly of young people, intends to conduct a militant, energetic, and nonprovocational demonstration. Endorsers of the Grant Street action include the Campus Coalition for Peace and Justice - which has been the organizer of the movement to gain justice for Jonny Gammage;. the Western Pennslyvania Committee to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal; the New Youth Culture; the Campus Women's Organization at the University of Pittsburgh; Socialist Workers Party; Bruderhof Christian Community; and several Anti Racist Action chapters.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, both the Pittsburgh police chief and mayor are urging everyone to attend the Market Square rally "for fear that violence could erupt." Elayne Tobin, speaking for the Grant Street coalition, explained, "I do believe you need to be present where the Klan is .... you can celebrate unity and diversity, away from where the Klan is, but it's important .... to say you want a political confrontation, not a physical one."

In addition, the coalition is raising demands that specifically address the issue of racism. "Anybody can be against the Klan. Even Mayor Murphy has been asked to speak at the Market Square rally. But he has been in the forefront of defending the cops," said Carmella Miller, one of the activists who has been campaigning to jail the Pittsburgh-area cops who killed Jonny Gammage. The demands being raised include Stop Police Brutality, Free Mumia Abu- Jamal, Justice for Jonny Gammage, and Defend School Desegregation.

Activists are planning to build the Grant St. action as widely as possible in the western Pennsylvania region. Two organizing meetings have already occurred and some 30 people have already volunteered to help marshal the demonstration. Members of Anti-Racist Action plan to come from Columbus; Philadelphia; Buffalo, New York; and other cities for the April 5 protest.

Edwin Fruit is a member of the International Association of Machinists. Leroy Watson, a member of the United Steelworkers of America, contributed to this article.  
 
 
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