Brooklyn Park to rally against racism

Women planned demonstration to celebrate diversity after attacks on black men, which authorities are treating as hate crimes.

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: September 28, 2009 - 9:46 PM

Residents of Brooklyn Park plan to hold a rally Thursday night in reaction to the beatings last week of two black men that authorities have characterized as hate crimes.

The Rally Against Racist Attacks and in Celebration of Diversity will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hartkopf Park, 7300 Florida Av. N. The park is near the site of the attacks.

Carol Woehrer and Linda Freemon planned the demonstration after reading news accounts about the beating, deciding, in Woehrer's words, "we shouldn't wait until something even worse happens."

Brooklyn Park Mayor Steve Lampi, Police Chief Michael David, state legislators from the area and other local officials have confirmed they will attend, Woehrer said. At least one of the victims also plans to attend, she said.

Rally participants are asked to "bring a sign celebrating diversity and a candle."

Two assailants beat, robbed and stripped naked 18-year-old Derrick Thomas, who is autistic, on a street in Brooklyn Park early Thursday morning, then roughed up Johnney Robinson, 40, four blocks away before they were interrupted by police.

Both victims are black, the suspects are white, and authorities say both crimes are believed to be motivated by racial bias. The U.S. Secret Service is also investigating the attackers for allegedly threatening to kill resident Obama and his family.

The alleged assailants were charged with two felonies -- aggravated first-degree robbery and attempted first-degree robbery -- and two gross misdemeanors -- fourth-degree assault and attempted fourth-degree assault.

Police had made no new arrests in the case and had no new information about the attacks, Brooklyn Park police Capt. Greg Roehl said Monday.

Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184

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