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The Burning of Highlander Center: a Fascist-like Attack
Whitney, W. T.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2019/04/08/the-burning-of-highlander-center-a-fascist-like-attack/Date Written: 2019-04-08 Publisher: CounterPunch Year Published: 2019 Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX23604 The Highlander Research and Education Center was burned to the ground in New Market, Tennessee in an act of arson by the white power movement. Abstract: -- Excerpt: The Highlander Center, according to its website, "serves as a catalyst for grassroots organizing and movement building in Appalachia and the South. We work with people fighting for justice, equality and sustainability, supporting their efforts to take collective action to shape their own destiny." Based in Knoxville until 1971 and thereafter in New Market, the Center has addressed strip mining and immigrant rights. Right-wing elements had targeted the Highlander Research and Education Center before, especially during its stay in Knoxville in the 1960s. Historian John Glen describes "a KKK parade past the center, repeated vandalism, firebombs, burglaries, gunshots." Harassment apparently diminished afterwards. |