Saying no to Racism in District 13

Earlier this summer, racist flyers started showing up along the Bike Path near the Arboretum.  Bay Creek residents rallied in response, quickly taking them down. These neighbors went one step further and printed up positive messages in support of Black lives.  The community response was immediate and resolute. Every time a racist flyer was posted, it was taken down and replaced with a positive message in support of our BIPOC friends and neighbors.  Whoever was behind it got the message and the racist flyers stopped.

At least until now. 

In the past week, racist flyers printed on card stock have been littered on sidewalks in Greenbush and Dudgeon-Monroe. The flyers were unsigned, so there's no way of knowing if they're from the same person who posted the racist flyers last month.

Concerned residents from all over the district met tonight on Zoom. Various ideas were discussed about how we can best respond as a community. Folks are taking this seriously, wanting to send a clear message that racism will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.

Here's what was decided:

If you see a racist flyer on a sidewalk, pick it up. If you see one on a bulletin board, remove it. If you see one stapled to a tree or staked near a bike path or city street, take it down. Please then send an email to: district13cares@gmail.com. Indicate where the flyers were found.  Include a photo if you can.  The idea is to catalogue the flyers, to map where they show up so we can spread positive messages in their place.

Tonight, we spent some time thinking about how we can reach the person or persons responsible. In most situations like this, it's difficult to establish dialogue. Our message to whoever is doing this is simple.  We reject your hate, but we don't hate you. The burden of bigotry is heavy. Drop it and reconnect.

I'm proud to be your alder as we say no to racism. No to hate and despair. Yes to love and hope.

Take care and stay safe.

Tag

Monday morning update 8/31: Another flyer was found early this morning near Zuzu's at Drake and Randall. The police have been notified.