Racist Symbols You Need To Know — Volume 1
So, there was a situation that I witness a couple of summers ago during AfroFest 2020. I was taken aback when I spotted two guys wearing supremacist t-shirts. Do you know why? Well, thanks to a Facebook group dedicated to exposing racism and bigotry in our city, I had come across their photos before. It was a shocking moment for me.
What bothered me, even more, was that many of the festival attendees, mostly Black individuals, had no clue that these guys were discreetly scoping the crowd, taking pictures, and shooting videos. I felt utterly helpless in that situation. It got me thinking, you know? We often remain oblivious to the meanings behind their banners and symbols.
Sometimes, we come across unfamiliar logos or stickers on people’s mugs, shirts, flyers, or even on the back of a vehicle, and we have absolutely no idea what they represent or which groups they belong to. These hateful and racist groups thrive on being covert and secretive.
But now, I’ve realized that I have a platform to spread awareness. As more and more people recognize the seriousness of racism and understand how covert it can be in Canada, knowledge becomes our power. So, let’s make an effort to familiarize ourselves with their symbols. Together, we can stand against hate!
What You Need To Know
#WhatIsThisSymbol. *** Blood & Honour (B&H) ***
This international neo-Nazi network draws its ideology from the National Socialist doctrine of Nazi Germany. Initially established in England, it has now expanded its influence throughout Europe, Russia, Australia, and North America.
The group, known as Combat 18 (C18), has engaged in violent activities such as murders and bombings through their armed branch. Back in 1987, B&H was established in the United Kingdom and experienced significant growth during the 1990s. By the end of that decade, they had successfully set up branches all across Europe.
There have been B&H attacks in North America and several EU member states. In January 2012, four B&H members in Tampa, Florida, were found guilty of murdering two homeless men back in 1998. Shockingly, these innocent individuals were targeted by the group simply because they were deemed “inferior.”
Additionally, in February 2012, B&H and C18 members carried out a horrifying act of firebombing. Their target was a building in Aš, Czech Republic, where numerous Romani families, including children, resided. It’s disheartening to think about the innocent lives affected by such senseless violence.
According to their website, Blood & Honour Canada goes by the name “Club 28.” They claim to have no direct affiliation with C18, an organization without official members. However, individuals involved in C18 are known to have connections to the broader Blood and Honour movement.
Yep, all here in Canada!
