Native American groups led a rally Monday morning at the Utah Capitol, calling on political and religious leaders to denounce racism. It was organized in response to President Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks about Haiti and African countries last week.
Dozens attended the rally that coincided with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Speakers honored the slain Civil Rights icon for his work to promote racial equality, but also took a sharp tone against President Trump. Moroni Benally works for the Utah League of Native American Voters. He says the Trump White House does not honor the spirit of King’s legacy.
“I am angry, because this America that we know that strives to be inclusive is being destroyed by this man and a party. The GOP who refuses to do anything. They stand in the long shadow of his immorality and they refuse to get out,” Benally says. “They stand in silence and they do nothing.”
But for some people, the message was off. Pamela Miles brought her grandchildren to the rally hoping to hear inspiring messages. What she got, she says, was foul language and divisiveness.
“I think it is a positive thing. But we have to realize that there’s kids here,” Miles says. “And for me it sounds more hatred then it does love.”
The rally followed with a march to the Utah Governor’s mansion.
