The Jamaica Plain community came together following an appearance by neo-Nazi group NSC-131 at the Loring Greenough House on July 23. Many community members spoke out against the group on Twitter and a counter-protest was organized.
On that date, the Loring Greenough House was featuring a Drag Queen Story Time, where “parents and children were entertained with singing and book reading,” according to a statement from the Loring Greenough House, where “All enjoyed the event.”
It continues, “Unfortunately, a group of masked neo-Nazis gathered just outside our fence to chant malicious and homophobic rhetoric. The protest of a Drag Queen event was a tool to gain attention. Any concern for the well-being of children was absent.”
Drag performer Patty Bourrée was on the Loring Greenough House lawn on July 23 leading the story event, when the white supremacist group approached the fence. As reported by Jamaica Plain News, the event was originally scheduled for July 9, “but was postponed after a tip was provided there’d be a protest,” the article reads.
Liz Miranda, who is running for State Senate, tweeted on July 23 that her campaign launch at the Loring Greenough House “was bombarded by white supremacist neo-nazis who were targeting LGBTQ+ lives. This hate is unacceptable, we are here to stay, we did not move an inch and we never will to accommodate hate. Period.”
Universal Hub reported in a July 23 article that District E-13 police, along with officers from other districts, arrived at the scene. The article also states that the white supremacist group had a sign that said ‘Pedo scum off our streets!’ and were yelling ‘monster!’ at event participants.
The same article also reports that the group donned masks, and that a Nazi leader was arrested, as were two counter-protesters.
“It’s clear that Boston is a way point in the crusade of hate launched five years ago in Charlottesville,” said District Attorney Kevin Hayden in a statement. “The presence of white supremacists at a Jamaica Plain book reading today, like their downtown Boston march earlier this month, is at once a disgrace and a warning. Society everywhere is targeted by these groups, and society everywhere must reject them.”
District 6 City Councilor Kendra Lara tweeted on the evening of the July 23 that “the counter protestors who were arrested have been bailed out.”
The rest of the Loring Greenough House statement reads:
“The Loring Greenough House deeply appreciates our community who gathered across the street to support each other. It was uplifting to see Jamaica Plain demonstrate that we will not be bystanders in the face of bigotry. We also wish to express our gratitude to the District 13 Police force who were on hand to keep The Loring Greenough Houses’ guests safe.
As a part of our mission, the Loring Greenough House strives to foster civic and community spirit. On this day and every day, we do so by standing with our community against hatred and injustice. We continue to welcome respectful community members to our premises.”