KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The No Hate Rally brought hundreds to the Country Club Plaza Sunday. At one point, police had to separate two groups.
This comes just a week after many saw images of violence on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia.
"I just can't believe what is happening in our country," said Susan Sanders.
"There is still a racial divide in America, and we need leadership in our country, and frankly we don't have it," said Mike Wimpy.
Bob Hoffman is of Jewish descent. He said racism and hate in this country existed well before President Trump.
"Seeing the Nazis walking in the street, of course, it was upsetting. But we have to realize that racism came long before Trump. This is a racist society that we live in," said Bob Hoffman.
After the event's speakers wrapped up, those remaining marched through the area. When the "no hate" group returned from the march, there was a brief confrontation with a group known as the 3 Percenters.
The anti-hate rally at the JC Nichols Road. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/XaYb1GPP9w
— Giovanni Garcia (@giovanniggarcia) August 20, 2017
Police quickly separated the two groups. The 3 Percenters website says they are a national organization that upholds the Constitution and is non-violent.
Many in the crowd say forms of hate are taught, not something people are born with. They say that's what needs to change.
"Say NO to HATE and YES to TACOS." Anti-hate rally in Kansas City. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/6JvQj58KQY
— Giovanni Garcia (@giovanniggarcia) August 20, 2017
"There is a deeper systemic issue here, and we need to know in our choices every day. If we don't realize that our choices affect those around us, then we are not doing our job," said Hoffman.
KCPD had a large police presence with officers on motorcycles, horseback, plus some in patrol cars and on foot.
There were no reported arrests at the event.
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