An act of hate in a historic South Jersey town has sparked an outpouring of love and support.
On a cold and stormy Saturday evening, dozens of people stopped to sing and stood together with flashlights and candles to shine a light on love and unity.
“It’s amazing. I don’t even know these people. These are people from different cultures coming together for solidarity, for one reason that we can all be together,” said Dawn Hines, her heart full of joy.
The show of support came two weeks after the the fence behind her Lawnside home was tagged with racist graffitiincluding racist comments and offensive symbols.
“This hatred cannot and should not be ignored,” said Sharon Ritz, who helped organize a peace vigil.
The act of hate was devastating for the predominantly black community, which officials are calling the first independent, self-governing African American municipality north of the Mason-Dixon line. But Hines said it has brought everyone closer together since then.
“My neighbors that I normally see and we do the hello and goodbye… now my neighbors are actually friends, we all got together,” said Hines, who has lived in her home for 20 years.
“We are definitely a community that stands together and we support each other,” said Aliyah Barbee, who lives in Lawnside.
The peace vigil held behind Hines’ home was organized by Embracing race – the conversation, a local group working to dismantle racism.
“The most important message is love, but we will not tolerate hate either and we will truly stand with our brothers and sisters who are victims of hate,” said Mary Anne Degenhart, co-founder of the group.
After the bias incident, community members helped spray paint over the graffiti. Then, Hines said a local fencing company recently stepped in and replaced her fence for free. Hines called it a thoughtful act that reminded her she is not alone.
“I feel a lot better, I can sleep better, and just the outpouring of love, it shows that love wins and hate doesn’t. I’m just happy,” Hines said.
Lawnside Police are investigating this as a hate crime, and we’re told the investigation is ongoing.
