Ahead of a White Lives Matter rally Shelbyville city officials and police have made preparations to keep the protesters and community members safe.
The League of the South organized the rally set for October 28. A representative notified the city of the sidewalk rally on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People from the League of the South as well as other groups are expected to protest things like the deadly protests in Charlotte, issues with the recent Antioch church shooting, illegal immigration and other hot topic issues.
According to city officials, a city permit is not required for protests.
As the news of the rally spread, other groups also scheduled counter protests during the same time. However, city officials said they have not received any official notice of those counter-protests.
City officials said in a letter they have been preparing safety measures for about a week. They said they will "use as many resources as necessary to carry out those safety plans."
Separate areas will be secured at the intersection of Highway 231 and Lane Parkway for protesters and counter-protesters. The sidewalks on the southwest corner will be for the League of the South rally and the sidewalks on the northwest corner will be for counter-protests.
Some residents who are pushing back against the hate groups planned rally have begun haning "Boo To Hate" posters at local businesses.
"I want to make a declaration that Shelbyville does not want them here," says Sharon Edward, chair of the Bedford County Democratic Party.
There will also be road closures, but officials said they would be released closer to the event.
Anyone planning or organizing a protest on that day was asked to notify Shelbyville Police Chief Jan Phillips at 931-684-5811.
