WHY

MLK Celebration to Feature Rachel Dolezal

In North Carolina.

A North Carolina town has invited Rachel Dolezal to attend its annual MLK Dreamfest Celebration in January. The event in Cary is expected to feature discussions about race relations and racial identity, which is why the organizers invited such a controversial figure—best known for allegations that she lied about her own racial identity. The event’s theme is “Healing Race Relations Through Conversation and Participation.” Organizer Al Cohen said they chose to invite Dolezal because she “has been depicted as a major villain through media because of her preference of racial identity.” He added, “And yet, she didn’t steal from anybody. She didn’t murder anybody. She didn’t rob anybody. She only had an affinity for a group of people, and she served her community well.”