SF Bay Area says 'No' to anti-immigrant hate speech

More than 300 mostly Latin@ workers and students rallied in front of Clear Channel Communications-owned radio station KNEW on Aug. 15, protesting the vitriolic hate directed at the immigrant community by local commentator Michael Savage.

WW photo: Joan Marquardt

On July 5, denigrating the students, immigrants and children of immigrants that are locally fasting for immigrant rights, Michael Savage said on the air, “Let them fast until they starve to death.”

The outcry was immediate. The enraged community, individuals and organizations coming together as the Hispanic Anti-Defamation League demanded that the xenophobic messages delivered during Savage’s daily three-hour radio show—clearly intended to dehumanize immigrants—cease at once.

People traveled from all around—Sacramento, Stockton, Napa, Pinole, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Hayward, Berkeley and San Jose—to participate. Chanting, “Free speech, NOT hate speech!” the demonstration was viewed by the radio station management, as well as Savage himself, from windows directly above the street. Protesters held signs reading, “Hate speech is NOT protected under the first amendment,” “Hate speech on radio is a threat to national security” and “Desear la muerto a alguien no es libertad de expresión” (Wishing for someone’s death is not free speech). One large sign was attached to the rear of a car, announcing, “The U.S. citizens of the Bay Area condemn the racist, hateful and defamatory language used by Michael Savage against the Hispanic immigrant community!” Passersby in cars, trucks and buses honked their horns and waved in support. In addition to brief speeches and the chants, the spirited crowd sang “De Colores,” changing some the lyrics to fit the occasion, and Mariachi musicians played.

Speaking about the demonstration the next day, organizer Aurora Grajeda said: “We were outraged, yet we were festive. ... At the end, so many of us seemed reluctant to leave, we dragged our feet from the place where we created memories and wrote history. Yes, this is another chapter of countless immigrant chronicles, where there are battles, bravery, sacrifice, wins, losses, life and death. We came determined to fight for our lives, for our future and that of future generations, fully knowing that we are facing powerful forces that will fight us every step of the way. ... There was not only committed determination, but eagerness to do what needs to be done.”