‘Inflammatory’ flyers worry Bloomington residents, equity groups

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - Flyers that Bloomington leaders describe as inflammatory are causing concern among city residents.

The flyers invite people to gather at Miller Park at the end of the month and march to Downtown Bloomington.

The flyer’s image circulating on social media states the Aug. 30 march is intended to claim the state for “real citizens.”

Leaders of organizations like Moses Montefiore Temple, Bloomington-Normal’s Jewish congregation, have issued statements saying the flyers are inciting fear and hate in the community. A Bloomington Police sergeant, who works closely with the Temple, is said to be notifying the Anti-Defamation League.

“My first thought is it is very amateurish looking. Similar to racist fliers posted downtown a year ago or the KKK ones left on driveways years ago. It is unlikely to produce any support (the others never did). We will try and determine who is passing them around and prepare for anyone marching on Aug. 30, but I do not anticipate much.”

Worried residents also notified the Bloomington-Normal chapter of the NAACP.

Local NAACP First Vice President Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson said they do not know who created the image, but that they challenge the creator and people in support of the march to engage in critical dialogue.

“We don’t have to be divisive, we don’t always agree, and that’s okay because we’re not a monolith people, but we have to be willing to engage in meaningful and productive dialogue,” Campbell-Jackson said. “That’s how we reach our common goal of making sure everybody feels included.”

NAACP President Linda Foster and Campbell-Jackson said they have been in contact with Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady, who they said shares their view.

The city government confirmed in a statement Sunday night that a permit for the march has not yet been submitted and that it would not be endorsed.

The city released the following statement:

“The City of Bloomington is aware of inflammatory flyers circulating about a march advertised for Aug. 30. The origin of the flyers is unknown, and the city is looking into the matter. No permit has been applied for or issued for this event, and the City of Bloomington is not endorsing it. Bloomington is a community that values respect, inclusion, and safety for all residents. While people have the right to gather peacefully, public safety remains our priority.”

You can watch 25News - any newscast, anywhere - streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.