Title: White Supremacist Arrested for Arson at Civil Rights Center: A Look Back at the Highlander Research and Education Center’s Legacy
Introduction
In a significant development, authorities have apprehended Regan Prater, a suspect linked to white supremacist movements, for a fire that engulfed the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee, in March 2019. This fire not only destroyed a vital social justice hub but also highlighted a concerning rise in hate-motivated crimes across the nation. Highlander’s importance in the American Civil Rights Movement cannot be overstated, as it has been a space for nurturing the ideas and actions of legendary figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.
The Incident and Arrest
Last Thursday, Prater was charged with one count of arson related to the fire that ravaged the Highlander Center. Federal court documents reveal that Prater’s involvement in numerous online discussions, affiliated with white supremacist groups, point to his connection to the arson. In a striking private message, a witness shared screenshots with the FBI, where Prater, using the name “Rooster,” discussed the fire’s execution using “a sparkler bomb and some Napalm.” The presence of a white-power symbol, described as a “triple cross,” found at the scene further signifies the hate-driven motives behind the attack.
Past Criminal Activities
Prater’s history of criminal behavior is alarming. Previously, he was sentenced to five years in federal prison for arson in June 2019, when he set fire to an adult video and novelty store in East Tennessee. At that time, authorities discovered a video on his cellphone showing the act of arson. This history underscores not only Prater’s propensity for violence and hate but also raises questions about the systemic issues surrounding hate crimes in the United States.
Impact on Highlander Center and Community
The extinguishing flames of the March 2019 fire had far-reaching consequences, devastating decades’ worth of irreplaceable civil rights documents and artifacts. Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, a former co-executive director of Highlander, vividly recalls the harrowing scene of destruction. For months, the aftermath was a daily reminder of the trauma inflicted on the community. Their struggle against the stigma of hate has been compounded by an unresponsive investigative process, which at times made the leaders feel abandoned.
Highlander’s Rich Heritage and Resilience
Founded in 1932, the Highlander Research and Education Center has played a pivotal role in educating activists on civil rights, labor rights, and social justice. Notable figures like Rosa Parks and John Lewis honed their organizational skills and strategies within its walls. Parks credited Highlander with significantly influencing her activism, catalyzing her momentous decision not to relinquish her bus seat in Montgomery. Today, as Highlander approaches its 93rd anniversary, the center remains resilient, actively working to rebuild and continuing its mission to inspire future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Unity and Safety
Despite the devastating arson attack, Highlander’s spirit remains unbroken. As Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson aptly summarizes, “If their goal was to break our spirit, they failed miserably.” This sentiment reflects a collective responsibility among movements for social justice—to protect and uplift one another against hate. As the Highlander community prepares to unveil a reconstructed administrative office, their ongoing commitment to advocacy, education, and unity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The arrest of Regan Prater brings a semblance of justice to the Highlander Research and Education Center, yet it underscores the persistent challenges of combating hate and violence in society. This incident serves as a crucial moment of reflection on the efforts needed to safeguard social justice spaces and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance. Highlander’s legacy continues to inspire activists and peaceful warriors, reminding us that every effort against hate contributes to a brighter future.
