Mpls. Urban League Denies Being Involved In 'Day Of Rage'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Urban League is denying reports of its alleged involvement in a rumored -- and according to Snopes, questionable in its credibility -- national "Day Of Rage" event.

Soon after the shootings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, a rumor began circulating on social media and other venues that a hacktivist group claiming to be Anonymous is calling for a nationwide "Day Of Rage" protest.

One of the "Day of Rage" locations was listed as taking place at the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL), located on 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.

MUL President and CEO Steven Belton responded to the rumor Thursday.

"The Minneapolis Urban League does not support or endorse Day of Rage. We have had no contact with Anonymous and do not know the identity of the person or persons operating under that name or purporting to organize Day of Rage," Belton said.

Belton added that the organization does not believe rage is the appropriate response to current events and ongoing circumstances.

"Rage is 'a fit of violent anger,' which is the last thing we need at this time," Belton said. "In the wake of Philando Castile and Jamar Clark's senseless killings, we need to build stable and sustainable pathways to prosperity for African Americans and others, which is what we do at the Urban League. We advocate for justice, promote peace and engage the broader community to invest in programs and strategies that promote our success. Right now we need thoughtful strategy and deliberate action. Rage is neither."

According to MUL, its building, parking lots and property will not be made available for "Day of Rage" activities or protests.

According to Snopes, a website that covers rumors and urban legends, the "Day of Rage" rumor is identical to a false rumor circulated in August of 2014 in response to the ongoing protests and unrest in Ferguson.

The website says it's impossible to say who began the "Day of Rage" rumors in 2014 and "no one appeared to actually be organizing or endorsing the actions mentioned in such rumors."