ON A “LOVE TRAIN”: Princeton University Professor Emeritus Cornel West addresses the crowd on Saturday in Palmer Square. Originally announced to be a march in Princeton by a white supremacist group, the event turned into a rally against hate, bigotry, and racism, and a call for solidarity. West and others gave short speeches after the hundreds of participants marched around the square, carrying signs and chanting. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

By Donald Gilpin

Originally anticipated as an event that would spread hate, bigotry, conflict, and possibly violence, a rally in Princeton last Saturday turned into an expression of solidarity and harmony, as the white supremacist group that had said it was coming to town didn’t show up and hundreds of counter-protestors joined “a love train,” in the words of Princeton University Professor Emeritus Cornel West.

Signs of all sizes proclaimed such messages as “Love Not Hate Makes America Great,” “Hate Has No Home Here,” and “Princeton Stands Against Hate and White Supremacy,” as the crowds paraded around the perimeter of Palmer Square chanting “Not in Princeton, not anywhere,” “No hate, no fear, Nazis are not welcome here,” and other expressions of solidarity in opposition to the originally planned white supremacist message.

A white nationalist group calling itself the New Jersey European Heritage Association (NJEHA) early last week announced plans to stage a march at noon on Saturday in Palmer Square, promoting the message “It’s OK to be White.” Several groups quickly planned counter-protests, and the Princeton Police Department (PPD) prepared for large numbers of demonstrators with the possibility of clashes between the factions.

Then, late Friday, the NJEHA, which had appeared in Princeton with “It’s OK to be White” signs last November, announced that the plans for the march had been a hoax from the start. “You’ve been punked,” they wrote on Twitter. “There isn’t going to be a ‘march.’ There never was.”

Amidst speculation that the NJEHA had backed down in the face of being outnumbered by widespread opposition, counter-protestors decided that there would be a march, but it would be a march against hate and racism. Participating groups included Northern and Central NJ Democratic Socialists of America, Heathens
Against Hate, Black Lives Matter, the Green Party, student groups from Princeton University and Princeton High School, and others.

The PPD, in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement groups, prepared for Saturday’s event in the face of uncertainty about who might show up and what might ensue. Nassau Street remained open, but Hulfish Street and Palmer Square streets were closed, and barriers were set up in Palmer Square and near Hinds Plaza. Two large garbage trucks blocked the entrance to Palmer Square on Nassau Street.

PPD spokesman Sgt. Frederick Williams noted that there were no disturbances, injuries, or property damage reported, and that participants obeyed rules prohibiting poles or sticks to hoist signs. Palmer Square was reopened about 2 p.m.

“We did learn that the systems, policies, and procedures we have in place worked well for us that day,” Williams added. He stated that PPD Chief Sutter and the PPD appreciated the professional logistical support from the NJ State Police, the NJ Division of Criminal Justice, NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, NJ Department of Corrections, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and many area police agencies.  Dozens of uniformed personnel were present around Palmer Square and elsewhere in the downtown area.

“Our preparations have the safety and well being of Princeton residents, businesses, and visitors in mind,” the PPD noted in a press release.

“It turned out to be a wonderful expression of community solidarity, and Princeton sent a loud and clear message of love over hate,” said Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert. “The Princeton police mobilized quickly and put plans in place to ensure everyone’s safety. I’m also appreciative to the merchant community. They also mobilized quickly with offers to help the police and a show of support for the counter-protestors via fantastic storefront displays celebrating love and inclusion.”

Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, who also participated in the rally, added, “It warms my heart to see the community come together. I’m proud of Princeton. Hate has no home in Princeton, and that’s not what this country stands for.”

One of the rally organizers, Northern NJ Democratic Socialists of America spokesperson Kristen Beatty, told the crowd, “It’s important for you to know, they backed down because of all of you. We can always silence their violence and stand up against their hate and call it out, wherever it exists.”

As the rally drew to a close, West urged the participants, “Don’t become discouraged. Think of this moment. We do make a difference. This is what love looks like in public. We’re standing for love and care and justice and truth.”

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(Photos by Charles R. Plohn)