Michael Franti Urges Protestors To Remain Peaceful At Upcoming Anti-Hate Rally In San Francisco

Michael Franti

MICHAEL FRANTI urged protestors to remain peaceful in a personal video message prior to his performance this SATURDAY (AUGUST 26th) in SAN FRANCISCO at an anti-hate counterprotest at the CIVIC CENTER PLAZA to the planned gathering of neo-Nazis and alt-right agitators at CRISSY FIELD. 

Commented FRANTI in the video posted on his FACEBOOK page, "If you are opposing violence, be non-violent... don't let your anger, your pride or your ego suck you into a confrontation that gets played on TV over and over again and makes the conversation focus only on violence rather than equality for all people."  The message has been shared around the world by celebrities, fellow musicians, and FRANTI's diverse fan base, known as the "SOULROCKERS." 

"Protests are a form of communication.  You can communicate love or you can communicate hate. Right now Nazis, White Supremacists, KKK, alt-right groups, anti-Semitic, Islamaphobic, misogynist and anti-LGBTQ groups are trying to make hate acceptable in our world.

"You want to oppose this hate and stand up for diversity and equality? We need you. Online and in the streets. If you are opposing violence be non-violent. You might be personally angry and want to punch a Nazi. But don't let your anger, your pride or your ego suck you into a confrontation that gets played on TV over and over again and makes the conversation focus only on violence rather than equality for all people.

Right now we need everyone who cares to raise their voice for equality and diversity. Let's stand together and show our strength through our solidarity. Stand up for love."  -- MICHAEL FRANTI

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD will perform this SATURDAY (8/26) at the CIVIC CENTER PLAZA in SAN FRANCISCO. A local BAY AREA coalition of citizens' and community groups, activists, and artists has announced an anti-hate counterprotest to SATURDAY's planned gathering of neo-Nazi's and far-right agitators at CRISSY FIELD. 

Together, organizers and participants are offering a different vision of our country: one that is peaceful, inclusive, and celebratory of our uniquely AMERICAN diversity. The theme for the day, "Peace, Music & Laughter," seeks to focus on what unites us rather than what may divide us.  

Added FRANTI: "Right now it's important that we not just stand against hate, but that we raise our voices with solidarity in support of diversity, inclusion and equality. Music is a unifying force in the world and in this time we need artists to standup, inspiring people to come together around these values."

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