GRAHAM, N.C. — Dozens of supporters and protesters of the Graham confederate monument gathered near the statue Thursday night. Graham police told WFMY News 2 they were aware of the gatherings and gave both groups 'standards of protesting' documents.
Dozens met through a Facebook event called 'NC Confederate Day' and gathered at Graham Court Square along with counterprotests from Black Lives Matter.
The event page stated it was a celebration:
Celebrating 160 year anniversary of NC seceding from the union and joining the confederacy on Thursday, May 20th at 6. H.K. Edgerton will be the guest speaker. Make plans to come out. Bring your flag and come join us.
Organizer Thomas May said he also encouraged confederate monument supporters to come out:
"I want to celebrate the monument and say thanks to the sheriff's department for protecting it and to our county commissioners for upholding the law and keeping it where it needs to be and putting up the fence to protect it," May said.
In response, a counter-protest was organized with the subtitle 'No to White Supremacy in Graham.'
May said he was aware that counter-protesters would show up.
"It’s not no white supremacy," he continued. "I mean, we got a Black man coming to speak as a guest speaker," he said, referring to H.K. Edgerton.
The counter-protests started at 5:30 p.m. in two different locations. One was held at City Hall, the other was right across the street from confederate supporters.
Counter-protesters WFMY News 2's Jess Winters spoke with said it was important to peacefully stand against blatant racism.
"I was the only Black cheerleader when I entered Graham Middle School and I heard from mothers, 'well she's just the pity party of the squad,' like they have to have one," Autry said. "So it's important that people understand that racism is real and it does affect people."
Autry, and many others, said they don't understand the heritage defense.
"I got ties to the monument," May said of the confederate soldier. "To me it’s more of a memorial than a monument, when I ride by it and I see it, I think about my family members."
"It doesn't matter if I've done everything right," Autry continued. "I have a masters degree, but someone might look at my hair and say - 'oh she's one of those.' What do you mean, I'm articulate and I'm educated. You see this type of activity still going on claiming 'heritage' when we know Alamance was a poor county, it was a union county, and they're celebrating confederacy. And you lost. So it's like why are we celebrating? What NBA finals team celebrates after a loss?"
A spokesman for Graham Police said the department was aware of both protests days prior, sending this information in an email:
We are aware of the events taking place {Thursday} evening. We have been in contact with the organizers of the events and have provided them with information related to conduct standards for a lawful and peaceful protest. This event did not meet the need for a permit so no permit was required. However, our chief did receive a notice of intent to protests for both events.
Thomas May said he obtained a permit from the Alamance County Sheriff's Office because court square is on county property. The counter-protests were held on city property.
Both groups were given 'standards of protesting' documents by Graham Police.
"We're just standing here with signs quietly," Autry said. "I think it's important to show how to counter-protest without being hateful and violent to show that our lives matter, and we don't support that."
