Groups Back Simpson as Host of Event

An array of African American community groups applauded plans Tuesday by an anti-violence organization to hold a fund-raiser at the home of O.J. Simpson--rejecting protests from others about the event.

Leaders of the sponsoring organization, Stop the Violence-Increase the Peace, met with about 100 activists in a parking lot outside their Inglewood headquarters, even as talk radio airwaves were buzzing with bitter arguments about whether the acquitted double-murder defendant and former football star is the proper host for a reception to combat violence.

Muhammad Nassardeen, a Stop the Violence board member, said the controversy around Thursday’s black-tie reception at Simpson’s Rockingham Avenue estate had already succeeded in doing what years of quiet work in the community could not--raising his group’s profile.

“Now all of you are suddenly here,” Nassardeen said, gesturing at the bank of television cameras in front of him.

*

He welcomed the chance to publicize “the main thing,” which he described as the group’s programs, such as computer training for gang members and counseling for families victimized by domestic violence.

The Simpson fund-raiser came together three weeks ago, Nassardeen said, when Simpson attended another function and agreed to offer his support, particularly for a 5K and 10K run that Stop the Violence will hold July 13.

When The Times reported the Simpson fund-raiser Monday, however, it prompted criticism, particularly on radio call-in programs. Many callers said it was hypocritical for Simpson to host such an event. They cited his 1989 plea of no contest to spousal battery and the murders of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Lyle Goldman. Simpson was found not guilty of the slayings.

The Women’s Progress Alliance--founded recently by Nicole Simpson’s sister, Denise Brown, and Tammy Bruce, the former local head of the National Organization for Women--announced that it will present an alternative event on the night of the fund-raiser at Simpson’s house. The forum at the National Council of Jewish Women will allow Simpson opponents to vent their frustration, organizers said.

One of the organizers of the counter-rally, attorney Gloria Allred, called the idea of a party at O.J. Simpson’s house “ghoulish,” adding: “To me that would be tantamount to dancing on Nicole’s grave.”

But community leaders at the meeting Tuesday complained that they had difficulty getting the press and public’s attention for their efforts, which began seven years ago with the shepherding of a gang truce in South-Central Los Angeles. Among those supporting the fund-raiser at Simpson’s home--whose invitation suggested donations ranging from $100 to $10,000--were state Sen. Teresa Hughes (D-Inglewood), who was represented by an aide at the rally, and Inglewood City Councilman Curren D. Price.

“These other people are just trying to divide and conquer to keep us from accepting our own brother,” said Amen Rahh, a professor of black studies at Cal State Long Beach. “They have the right to go their separate way. But they don’t have the right to sabotage our event.”