Throughout American history, too many people have been targeted for discrimination, in many cases for generations, and often during times of great economic and social upheaval.
Just as we have seen in previous times of national turbulence, some seek to take advantage of fear and pain to advance racist ideologies and policies, while also inspiring other acts of hate. Over the last several weeks, we have seen white supremacists and others seek to weaponize this fear and anxiety to advance their own hateful ideologies. There is a devastating spike in acts of hate targeting immigrants, the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Jews, people with disabilities, and people of color.
In response to the occurrence of KKK flyers in neighborhoods in Bowling Green over this past weekend—we are hurting, we are shocked, but we cannot be immobilized.
While some would ask why give these groups the publicity they are seeking, we’ve seen over and over again that ignoring hate groups emboldens them. We know our strength lies in our numbers and our commitment to core American values shared by the vast majority of people in our country, regardless of their political affiliations. We are not just responding to hate, but declaring our rejection of hate and fear before bigotry hardens and hate fueled actions escalate.
America and its citizens stand united in the face of hate groups that seek to divide us. NIOT BG is calling on members of our community to do what we have done for generations–come together in shared sacrifice to support our neighbors regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.
NIOT BG believes that our town is a home for great diversity and mutual respect, with no room or tolerance for any hateful behavior against anyone. We encourage the citizens of Bowling Green to reach out with compassion to friends and neighbors who have been impacted by hate and reinforce that we are a community where all are welcomed, affirmed, and respected.
Further unifying actions are being planned and all citizens who stand against bigotry and hate will be encouraged to attend.
No hate. No fear. No violence. Not in our town.
Not In Our Town Bowling Green
Ana Brown and Emily Dunipace, Community Co-chairs
