Neo-Nazi, equality rallies this weekend

Two rallies promoting both sides of the argument over race will take place this weekend in Southeast Portland, with demonstrations from a white supremacist group and a group promoting racial equality.

The three-day event promoting white supremacy, Hammerfest 2007, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of white supremacy group Hammerskin Nation. Those involved in the event are expecting over 100 members from around the country to attend.

However, Dr. Randy Blazak, a Portland State sociology professor and chair of the locally based Coalition Against Hate Crimes, said he wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers are less, or if the entire weekend’s event is violently interrupted.

“A lot of these groups claim to have international chapters to show that they’re organized,” said Blazak. “But many of them don’t even get along, and I’d be surprised if they don’t beat the shit out of each other by the end of the night.”

Another group, the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and Fascism, has organized its own rally opposing Hammerfest, to be held Oct. 6 at Lents Park, located on the corner of Southeast 92nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard.

The committee, founded last month, was formed in order to oppose demonstrations such as Hammerfest in and around Portland.

Blazak said Portland is the ideal place for Hammerskin Nation to host its anniversary event. Hammerskin Nation was originally brought to Portland by Volksfront, an area white supremacist group formed in the 1990s.

Volksfront is also linked to two of the men responsible for the 1988 murder of Mulugeta Seraw, an Ethiopian immigrant who lived in Portland.

Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz said city officers are considering all necessary precautions for this weekend’s events and will take appropriate action if laws are broken.

The group, originally known as the Confederate Hammerskins, was founded in 1987 in Dallas, Texas, and is largely known for its strong hatred of racial and sexual minorities, Jews and immigrants.

The Vanguard was unable to reach both Hammerskin Nation and the committee opposing it as of press time.

Blazak said he expects the Hammerskins will be out in the city over the weekend.

“You wouldn’t just fly into a city for the weekend and not do anything, would you?” Blazak said. “Even Nazis would want to see the city, especially one labeled as the capital of the White Aryan Nation.”