The group 2 Million Bikers to DC are reportedly planning to build a “Wall for Maya Angelou” at the late poet, activist, performer and writer’s funeral to shield the ceremony from the planned protest of the Westboro Baptist Church.
The Westboro Baptist Church are a highly conservative group who are infamous for protesting the funerals of Matthew Sheppard, a number of US Soldiers and the victims of the Sandy Hook Shootings. They have also protested a number of popular events and concerts and are widely known for their slogan ‘God Hates Fags’.
The group 2 Million Bikers to DC are a patriot group that aims “to peacefully oppose any and all who wish to fundamentally transform our country from our founding Father’s original intent.”, according to the group’s Facebook page.
Their mission statement reads in part “Our main Mission will always be: To honor the victims of 9-11, the survivors and the first responders. In addition, we honor our members of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed, some giving all for the citizens of the United States. This will be done by sponsoring a memorial ride annually to our nation’s capital on September 11th. We Honor those who continue to serve our Country and its Citizens. We will provide assistance through the raising of funds to contribute to survivors of 9-11 or those in need as a result of these attacks.”
Belinda Bee, one of the group’s founding members, told The Examiner why her organization intended to protect Angelou’s funeral despite not agreeing with her beliefs.
“We are riding to protect her funeral from WBC,” she said. “If we allow WBC to protest her funeral what will stop them from protesting one of our funerals?”
“No we do not agree with her beliefs, but we agree with her freedom to have & voice those beliefs. That is what freedom is about! If we attempt to shut up all those who disagree with us are we not doing the same thing as them?”
Angelou will be remembered with a service this Thursday night in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
