Scenes from the Anti-KKK Rallies

Rain couldn’t stop two events promoting equality and friendship this past weekend, as people from all over the Mid-South headed to Tiger Lane for the Heart of Memphis Festival and the People’s Conference on Race and Equality, both events billed as alternatives to the KKK rally happening downtown at the same time.

In the Pipkin Building, a make-shift green lawn was spread out on the concrete floor for the Mayor’s Easter Egg Roll, while the Memphis United organization used the Creative Arts Building as a forum to spread messages of equality and worker’s rights. Most attendees visited both festivals, venturing outside only to switch venues or grab a snack from one of 14 food trucks on location.

• Memphians working on a banner promoting equality.

• The equality banner up close. Many participants painted messages promoting love and peace.

• One of the many booths set up inside the People’s Conference on Race and Equality.

• Paintings on display at the People’s Conference on Race and Equality.

• More booths at the People’s Conference for Race and Equality.

• In the Pipkin Building, children danced with Easter-themed characters while local band The Mason Jar Fireflies performed.

• More children dancing on the makeshift lawn in the Pipkin Building. The Easter Egg Roll was moved inside due to inclement weather.

• Mayor AC Wharton getting ready to address the crowd before the Easter Egg Roll.