Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Community Rallies After Noose Found in SE Washington

by Associated Press

   WASHINGTON --

   Community members have rallied in southeast Washington to denounce the
   hanging of a noose near an elementary school in a historically black
   neighborhood.
   The noose found last week near Anne Beers Elementary School is one of
   several that have been found in the city recently. Authorities are
   investigating nooses left at two Smithsonian museums, including the
   National Museum of African American History and Culture, and bananas
   hung from nooses on the campus of American University. A noose is a
   racist symbol that evokes the lynching of African Americans.
   Police Chief Peter Newsham and D.C. Council member Vincent Gray spoke
   to a diverse crowd of more than 100 people who gathered for a prayer
   service on Sunday. Newsham says the hanging of the noose is being
   investigated as a hate crime.