In the Friday, Aug. 16, front-page article titled, “City to mark 1979 NC massacre,” a few facts were distorted or overlooked.
At the rally on Nov. 3, 1979, five members of the Communist Workers Party were killed by the Ku Kluz Klan. The rally was billed as “Death to the Klan.” The CWP group had a few small weapons, while the Klan, who had been apprised of the event by police informers, was heavily armed with guns.
This information came out in subsequent court cases and was made public, notwithstanding the acquittal of the Klan members. It is laudatory that people who were present and who had participated on that day have worked to establish a truth and reconciliation commission.
However, there was also an intensive labor organizing campaign of textile workers in nearby communities going on at the time, which was severely damaged by the misplaced politics and violence that took place.
Folks can only hope for a new day when violence in our society will be a thing of the past.
Stan Maron
Amherst