To the Editor:

I am working on organizing a Black Lives Matter rally in Berne on Aug. 9. I requested and received permission from the town to do so.

The intent of this rally is to be educational and informative, an opportunity for members of a rural community to talk about how to approach racism, and how small communities can find methods of eliminating it, in our communities, our schools, and our country.

We will have Rev. Bob Hoffman from the First Reformed Church of Berne and James Lemire, Berne-Knox-Westerlo high school social studies teacher, speaking, and we will have people of all ages attending, including many children. We will make signs and buttons, play music, and listen to speeches.

Unfortunately, there are now rumors on the internet that our meeting is causing agitation. Statements have been made about plans to counter-protest in force, some of which have included veiled threats. Counter-protesters have every right to be there – but they must be respectful of us, as we will be toward them. 

Laurie Searl

Berne