Harlem Hate Church Prematurely Declares Victory, Promises a Flag-burning

I just needed a Kit-Kat. In Harlem, that means a quick run to the bodega. Instead of a simple errand I had to see this:

Hold your horses, Harlem hate church. As Carl Sicilliano, whose Ali Forney Center is positioned to bid on this property if it is auctioned due to foreclosure, emailed me this evening:

“There was a ruling released this week, allowing the case to be put on the calandar, which means the foreclosure has been vacated until the court hears ATLAH’s argument as to why they believe they should be exempt from the water bills. It is not yet a victory for ATLAH, merely a delay.”

Just another in a series of hate signs filled with horror, lies, and delusion.

I lead a group of neighbors and friends called Harlem Against Violence, Homophobia, and Transphobia. For the last two years, we’ve resisted ATLAH hate speech by fundraising for the Ali Forney Center that helps homeless LGBTQ youth in NYC and by direct protest. We were called to do this after Manning posted several signs full of hate and murderous speech, including the words “Jesus Would Stone Homos, Stoning Is Still the Law.”

Now ATLAH promises to burn a rainbow flag. In the heart of Harlem, longtime home to a mighty queer community. A true horror, right on the corner. In addition to the toxicity Manning regularly spreads with his words, he will add a literally noxious display of his will to hurt.

I don’t know how the court will rule, regarding the foreclosure. I do know that we will continue to resist ATLAH hate speech. No one deserves having to see themselves slandered like this when they’re just trying to walk down the street. Stay tuned!

Update: Here is the court decision. H/t Rev. Brown.