The Highlander Center, which trained generations of civil rights activists, was the victim of an arson attack by white supremacists. The entire main building, which contained decades of archival material and other records of what began as the Highlander Folk School, was lost along with its collections. The main archives in Wisconsin were spared, but this is still a horrendous loss. Police are investigating, but reports that white power symbols were found painted on the parking lot make it pretty clear that this was a targeted attack by a hate group.
The center has evidently been the target of graffiti in recent years, including from a Romanian fascist group. It’s also endured repeated demonstrations by fascists and white supremacists per the Southern Poverty Law Center.
No idea about donations or fundraising to replace the building as yet — if someone has this, please add in the comments. This is a strike directly at the heart of the resistance to white supremacy and racism in America, and no, I do not believe for one nanosecond that this occurring during the presidency of Donald Trump is a coincidence.
More information about the fire can be found here.
Highlander Center main site here.