When leaders of a Boise State student group saw a poster promoting a concert in Boise put on by a known white supremacist group, They felt like they had to do something.
"Out of all their hate and intolerance, we are creating support out of everything. We are only benefiting from it," Said Tanisha Newton of The Boise State Inclusive Excellence Student Council.
Partnering with the Idaho Black History Museum, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, and other student groups, organizers say they turned lemons into lemonade. Holding a counter-event to the white supremacist concert at the Idaho Anne Frank Human Right's Memorial. The location or the time of the white supremacist rally is being kept under wraps. Organizers of this event say they want to provide a space where people can resist the white supremacist concert without being on the front lines.
"They have the right to free speech, they have a right to peaceful assembly," said Dan Prinzing of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. "We're going to continue to do what we have always done at the Wassmuth Center, educate. We are going to continue to stand up."
The crowd of more than 100 people not only enjoyed a concert of their own but learned the history of the memorial and white supremacy in Idaho. They were encouraged to stand up against hate. Money was also raised to benefit a number of Boise State student groups. Organizers say they'll use the money to improve diversity in the community.
"Simply because they choose to come here you can see by the turnout it doesn't mean they have support for their message here," said Phillip Thompson of The Idaho Black History Museum.
In a statement, the Boise Police Department says they are aware of potential events coming to Boise and are prepared to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the community.
