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BELLEVILLE, Ill — Two rallies are planned Saturday in response to a recent attack on school bus -- one linked to several white supremacy groups and a counter protest hosted by a reverend.
Those calling the attack on a white student by two black students a hate crime are planning a protest for 11 a.m. Saturday at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Belleville.
In response, the Rev. John Curry, of Conqueror's Christian Center in Belleville, is organizing a silent peace rally across the street from the rally. Those participating expect to hold signs that say "We love you" and "no more us and them."
An online comment posted on a news story at the BND.com Web site said the rally at the courthouse was "for everyone who knows a parent or student at Belleville West or any other school." The comment linked to a Web site called www.illinoissafechildren.com, which states that it is not affiliated or in charge of the protest.
The protest has been promoted on several supremacist Web sites, including the National Socialist Movement and Stormfront.org.
Read the complete story at bnd.com