In addition to the activity of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, the KKK tried to establish a base here in1987 by exploiting the labor unrest at the paper mills. But the seeds of hatred do not grow well in the rocky soil of Maine.

In response to what the Klan promoted as a large, national rally in Rumford in 1987, groups of concerned citizens throughout the state planned an alternative rally, not only at the high school auditorium in Rumford, but at five more sights throughout the state, to declare that we would not tolerate hate groups in Maine.

The school auditorium was packed on the afternoon of Sept. 26, 1987. A program of speeches, music and proud affirmation of our democratic ideals was a moving testament of our resolve to make Maine a secure and welcoming place for all people.

When the Klan organizers realized they were not going to get the face-to-face recognition and confrontation they desired, they sent a delegation to our gathering dressed in robes and carrying hateful signs. When they were ignored, they left.

After the meeting at the high school, it was tempting to drive to the Klan rally site outside of town, but great care was given to see that this didn’t happen. Because few people went to see them and give them attention, and no violence occurred, there was very little to report the next day except the feeling of solidarity created by the positive gatherings throughout the state.

I am pleased that we are again organizing in a similar way to deal with a similar situation in Lewiston. The emphasis will be on peaceful assembly, a sense of solidarity, recognition and celebration of our diversity, and community goodwill.

If care is taken by the majority of people to avoid any contact at all with the hate group, thus taking away their efforts at confrontation and attracting media attention, the day can become a great day of affirmation for the people of Maine, as it was in 1987.

Thomas C. Ewell,

executive director

Maine Council of Churches,

Portland

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