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‘Mountain Moral Monday’ Continues in Western North Carolina, 10,000 Attend Asheville Demonstration

Photo by – Don McGowan/EarthSong Photography

By Mark S. Kenna

August 6, 2013. More than 10,000 people showed up to the “Mountain Moral Monday” in Asheville yesterday as demonstrators protested recent legislation moving through the North Carolina General Assembly.

Along with the issue of voter restrictions, protestors also spoke out against legislation involving, education overhaul, the stagnant state of Medicaid and new rules against abortion and clinics.

Because the General Assembly is no longer in session the “Moral Monday” protests will continue throughout different regions of the state.

Rev. William J. Barber, president of the N.C. NAACP, gave speeches along with other local activists.

Barber also participated in a press conference at the First Congregational United Church of Christ yesterday, where he emphasized and explained the expression of “New Fusion Politics.”  He referenced the turn in the electorate, which was a combination of many different demographics, specifically citing the 2012 residential election, as the beginning of the “third reconstruction.”

“The reality is the reason these extremist are doing what they’re doing is not because we’re weak,” Barber said.  “It’s their reaction to our strength.”

The Moral Monday Movement will continue with “Costal Moral Monday” on Monday, Aug. 19 in Nags Head, which includes a demonstration that is going to be held on the same day in Charlotte. 

“The Mountain Moral Monday proved once again that there is a powerful force rising up in North Carolina,” Barber said. “Representing all people standing together against the immoral and extreme actions of our legislature that will not be denied or turned back.”