Premium Content:

Biker Gang to Shield Maya Angelou's Funeral from Westboro Protest

Westboro Baptist Church Maya Angelou

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.

- Advertisement -

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.

Latest

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

Newsletter

Don't miss

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

On This Gay Day | Neil Tennant is celebrating his birthday

See what else happened on this day in history.

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.