Madison – Mayor Dave Cieslewicz released the following statement today regarding the upcoming hate group rally this weekend. The group was issued a permit by the State to hold the event on the State Capitol grounds.

“While Madisonians will have reasonable differences about how to respond to this event, my own choice is to follow the lead of the Madison Jewish Community Council and Centro Hispano by attending positive events in our community. Because I believe that attention and conflict are like oxygen for hate groups, I will be participating in positive events celebrating our diversity; events that are in sharp contrast to this group’s message of hate.

“I will start on Friday evening by stopping by at Dane Dances, one of the most successful culturally-diverse events in Madison. On Saturday, I’ll start with an early trip to the Farmers Market on the Capitol Square to support area farmers, followed by a walk with the Warner Park Circle of Friends fundraiser for the Warner Park pool. The Goodman Pool is one of the most diverse places in Madison and was a key recommendation of the Race Relations Task Force; a second pool at Warner Park would continue that success.

“At noon, I will be at the 100 Black Men’s annual back to school picnic, helping this great organization distribute back packs filled with school supplies to over 2,000 kids who might not be able to afford them otherwise. Later in the day, I’ll stop by Africa Fest at Warner Park. And on Sunday I will attend the Madison Jewish Community Council’s annual picnic in Verona.

“I invite Madisonians to join me in showing our support for diversity in our community and our opposition to ignorance and hate by taking a similar tour of events this weekend celebrating our diversity.”

For more information on positive, community-building events taking place this weekend, visit
http://www.cityofmadison.com/recTourism.html or any of the numerous entertainment and events calendars maintained by local media outlets.