(Submitted by Not In Our Town BG)
Not in Our Town BG (NIOT) has been made aware of a cowardly act of violence and hate against two people due to their ethnicity, while they were eating at the Waffle House in Bowling Green this past Sunday. Two men taunted two other men (high schoolers) with racial slurs and then, without provocation, physically assaulted them.
The victims were taken to the hospital with injuries, thankfully not life-threatening. We stand in support of those who were injured and are thankful for employees who were brave enough to step in as the situation escalated.
We are appreciative of the Bowling Green Police Division’s careful investigation and prosecution of those who have committed this terrible hate crime.
We encourage members of our community to reiterate that these actions are not tolerated nor acceptable in our community. We encourage anyone experiencing hate, bias and/or abusive behavior to report them.
We call on our network and community to listen to fearful voices – those who are marginalized and vulnerable, to be aware of your surroundings at all times, to actively care for one another and to boldly speak up for our vision of a diverse, inclusive, safe, and supportive community. We encourage the Bowling Green community to commit to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our friends, neighbors, and visitors.
Please consider attending a community meeting called by La Conexion to formulate some pro-active responses. Please spread the word and come if you are available, Sunday, at 7 p.m., in First Presbyterian Church, 2nd floor, 126 S. Church St. (parking behind on South Grove).
