Despite fears of a violent showdown between the Klan and African American groups, the rally remained peaceful with approximately 200 law enforcement officials present to prevent the possibility of violence. The tragic murder in Jasper, Texas gave way to peace and reconciliation during a vigil service on the local courthouse lawn. Approximately 2,000 people, including 10 area ministers, gathered on June 15th to begin to heal the pain left by the gruesome racist murder of James Byrd Jr. last month. Jasper, a small town in East Texas with approximately 7,800 residents, was besieged by media, national civil rights leaders, and Klan and white supremacist organizations. That's why this trumpet is important to sound not just at an event like a murder, but at all times.
Human reconciliation benefits everybody.
The vigil was sponsored by the Jasper Ministerial Alliance and included a prayer for three men accused of the racially motivated attack. Participants in the interracial gathering joined hands and embraced as they sang and prayed for racial healing. We had nothing to do with Mr. Byrd's tragic death, but have been attacked and savaged relentlessly in the wake of that senseless act. Flinn was joined by fellow Klan leader Michael Lowe of the Knights of the KKK in Waco, Texas. Both Flinn and Lowe have a history of exploiting community racial crisis to generate support for the Klan.