Mechanicsburg Rallies Against Hate After Racist Cards Distributed at Event

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Hundreds gathered in downtown Mechanicsburg on Wednesday to stand against hate and promote equality following the distribution of racist business cards to children during the borough’s Halloween Parade on Oct. 14.

The rally, titled “No Hate Here,” was organized by local clergy and faith leaders. It included a town hall meeting with local and civil rights leaders to address the impact of white supremacy groups in the area.

Parents expressed outrage when children reported receiving cards from the “Women of the Ku Klux Klan,” featuring KKK slogans and contact information from Tennessee. This prompted local officials to respond quickly.

Community members carried signs and sang songs to promote love and unity. Peggy Houyouse, a resident of Mechanicsburg, emphasized the need for compassion. “Jesus died for all of us, not just one,” she said. “I was amazed that it was even going on here in Mechanicsburg. This is a very quiet, loving community.”

The choir director at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, Gordon Kaslusky, led attendees in song. “Singing is a great way to bring people together,” he noted. “It’s very unsettling to see that in our community, so this felt like a small thing I could do to help.”

Mechanicsburg Borough Council President Kyle Miller expressed the council’s united stance against the hate. “I was saddened and disturbed that somebody would distribute that to children in our community,” he said. “Hate does not belong here in Mechanicsburg; that does not reflect our values.”

The event aimed to send a clear message that the borough stands united against hatred. “We’re all here to support and love each other and treat each other as equals,” Miller stated. “We do not believe that hate has a place here.”

In addition to the rally, a “No Hate in Our State” town hall hosted by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission will take place at 7:15 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, featuring educational discussions and community feedback.