As a “black resistance” march was preparing to kick off in the streets of Philadelphia, organizers first had one demand: all white participants, including media, had to go to the back of the crowd.
Video captured near the front of the group showed a woman ordering “white media” away from the stage.
“I need all white people to go to the back.” #BLM march in #DNCinPHL #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/N4bgvI7flR
— myrcat (@Myrna_Perez) July 26, 2016
“I need all white people to move to the back. This is a black and brown resistance march,” the organizer declared.
“You will not have a say all up in here.
“If you are here in support, you will appropriately take your place in the back of this march because if it’s truly led by black and brown unity,” she said as a participant spoke over her.
Black resistance March organizer telling all white people to move to the back, including media #DNCinPHL pic.twitter.com/ompm7kQArU
— Cassandra Fairbanks (@CassandraRules) July 26, 2016
“This isn’t the time about to question if our lives (unintelligible). This ain’t the point, this ain’t the time, this ain’t the place,” she said.
“Take your rightful position and get behind us,” she ordered.
“If you see any white folks, direct them to the back of the crowd,” she said.
“How about you leave then,” one woman said off-camera. “You can leave,” another said.
“Get the f*ck out,” said another, as a white cameraman sheepishly left his place near the front of the stage.
“White media, get to the back,” the organizer ordered. “Black media can come to the front.
“White media — excuse me, you,” she said, pointing to someone who was apparently to close for her comfort.
One white person, presumably a reporter, began arguing with crowd members, refusing to leave his position.
“We see your privilege,” one woman shouted.
Then two other white people, with their faces concealed, slinked out of the crowd.
“We’re not afraid to put people out,” the organizer said. “White people to the back, black people to the front,” she said.
“White people cannot be up front,” a woman wearing a hijab declared. “White people will not be an obstruction no more!” she yelled.
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