On Feb. 7 in Evendale, Ohio, north of Cincinnati, residents took matters into their own hands when neo-nazi protests appeared on I-75. The protestors were wearing all-black clothing and masks and holding swastika flags. Although the protest was incredibly hateful, it was not unlawful because it was on pedestrian walkways. The reaction from Cincinnatians was remarkable and showed how powerful a community can be when united against hate. Cincinnati set an example of what it means not to tolerate hate.
After the protests began on Highway I-75, neighbors in the area were very quick to respond angrily. The protest took place near Lincoln Heights, the first all-Black self-governing city in the North and once the largest predominantly Black city in the U.S.
Residents were there alongside police officers as they attempted to grab the flags out of the protestors' hands until they eventually disappeared into a U-Haul truck and drove off. Yes, you read that right. Video surveillance of the incident confirms just how horrifying this group’s presence was on the highway overpass.
Residents burned the remnants of what flags they were able to grab.
They not only remained on the overpass until the protestors had left but also joined together to talk and pray after the coast was clear. Cincinnati fought back with love and compassion during an incredibly harmful protest.
The display of pure humanity and affection for one another was powerful to see, especially amongst a predominantly Black community, as they fought back in the face of ugly, hateful protests. As a Cincinnatian myself, I feel an immense amount of pride in my city and the powerful people who reside in Lincoln Heights, who took action to speak up. However, this kind of neo-Nazi protest cannot continue to prevail in our country.
The incident in Cincinnati is not an isolated one. It instead reflects a harmful trend in our country. The Anti-Defamation League publishes a yearly audit on antisemitism and white supremacist propaganda in the U.S. According to the latest 2023 audit, over 8,000 incidents occurred in the U.S. This number is higher than the three years before, combined. The ideologies of this hateful propaganda are only spreading and continue to spread when people are not held accountable, including public figures.
On Jan. 20 Elon Musk made a gesture at a rally that appeared to be a Nazi salute. The ADL reported that the gesture was not a salute but rather an awkward motion. After the “awkward motion” that eerily mimicked a salute, Musk denied allegations on his platform X. Similarly, Kanye West also partook in hateful behavior by releasing a swastika t-shirt from his apparel company. It was the only item available to purchase before the site was taken down. The actions of these public figures have real-world consequences, whether intentional or not. These actions are harmful and further perpetuate the rhetoric of hate.
Everyone has a responsibility to be decent and not perpetuate white supremacist behaviors and attitudes. But those with platforms have a significantly larger responsibility. When public figures and, more importantly, people in office, use their voices to give attention to hate, they are only creating a larger problem. And when they are not held accountable, that behavior gains traction and continues to spread.
How is it that politicians, widely known creators and even people in my hometown can voice their hateful opinions? The U.S., built on the promises and goals of freedom, is becoming increasingly more dangerous for those of us with empathy and prior knowledge to understand this behavior is unacceptable. Yet, there is no accountability for perpetrators who take part in it.
Neo-nazis and what they stand for should not be tolerated or allowed in our country or anywhere. Praising the actions and events of Hitler’s reign is never acceptable. But there are people in this world whose mission is to continue the message of Hitler and don swastikas in an attempt to scare and attack communities everywhere.
The members of Lincoln Heights showed what is possible when you meet hatred in the community with love. It is our responsibility as humans and Americans to halt hatred from showing up or having room in our cities, homes or everyday lives.
Show up. Show love, stand with each other and never leave room to tolerate behavior that replicates that of a violent, oppressive dictator. Not now, not ever again. The behavior of the community in Lincoln Heights was brave, noble and exactly what should be done in the face of oppressors. I am proud to be a Cincinnati native and even share the same city with people who were brave enough to show up and not allow the protests in Evendale to continue. Their actions shed light on a dark time and should be an inspiration for everyone in terms of how to act in the face of hatred.
Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.
