From Staff Reports

In response to Republican-led legislation in state government in Raleigh, a Moral Sunday gathering was held on July 28 at White Horse Black Mountain and a protest march by Asheville-area teachers proceeded later in the week

In the latest twist, a Mountain Moral Monday rally has been scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Asheville’s Pack Square Park.

Moral Mondays, which are held weekly before the General Assembly in Raleigh, are billed as nonpartisan rallies, drawing thousands to protest the legislature’s actions.

Asheville’s rally will feature the Rev. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. He has led the 13 Moral Mondays in the state capitol. Also speaking will be local leaders concerned with issues of education, racial justice, voter rights, health are, women’s health, the environment and local control.

“Mountain Moral Monday, like the Raleigh events, is focused on the issues and on the effects of what Barber calls ‘a radical agenda’ on the people of North Carolina,” a press release from Leslie Boyd of WNC Health Advocates stated.

“Although signs are encouraged, organizers of the event ask that they focus on issues and not personal attacks against politicians or parties.”

The press release said that “Barber and others decided to begin rallying and demonstrating in Raleigh after failing in efforts to meet with legislative leaders and the governor about new laws restricting voting, cutting funds for education and refusing to expand Medicaid under the new Affordable Care Act.

“Barber promised to continue the demonstrations until the end of the legislative session ... at the 12th Moral Monday, he announced the rallies would continue around the state.”

Barber noted that “they are leaving and we will follow them home.”

Boyd’s press release added that, “unlike the Raleigh events, no one will volunteer to face arrest at the Mountain Moral Monday event, which is the first outside of Raleigh.”

Boyd reported that more than 900 people were arrested over the course of the Raleigh events, charged with second-degree trespass and refusal to disperse when ordered. Among those, more than 70 were from Western North Carolina, she noted.

Anyone who has been arrested in Raleigh is being encouraged to attend the event. Organizers are asking people to bring banners and signs indicating where they are from

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