Statement on Hate Out of Winston-Salem & “Terrorist” Accusations

Forsyth County Commissioner Malishai "Shai" Woodbury has accused Hate Out of Winston-Salem of being a “terrorist group of white people.” Meanwhile, Hate Out has simply been asking for accountability for missing scholarship funds in one of their ongoing campaigns.

This accusation is wrong on two main fronts: 1) Hate Out is not a “terrorist group” but rather a respected racial justice organization in our community and 2) Hate Out is not just composed of “white people” but has a diverse, multiracial membership which represents the city.

Hate Out is an important community partner of Piedmont Triad DSA and we will not stand by while elected officials slander their name in order to deflect from basic accountability. This accusation of Hate Out being a “terrorist group” is especially disgusting considering the recent presence of an actual extremist hate group known as Proud Boys in Winston-Salem. 

County Commissioner Woodbury should be deeply ashamed of her recent rhetoric and Piedmont Triad DSA calls upon her to issue a public apology on behalf of Hate Out of Winston-Salem. Furthermore, Piedmont Triad DSA condemns Commissioner Woodbury’s name-calling as nothing more than a distraction from the accountability Hate Out has been calling for in their advocacy. 

Piedmont Triad DSA also encourages constituents in Forsyth County to contact Commissioner Woodbury. Ask for a public apology. Demand accountability.

Email: woodbuml@forsyth.cc 

Phone: (336) 703-2004