Invitations issued to tackle hate crime

[struggle4progress]

Published Date: 20 November 2008

... 'Not in Our Town' is the documentary film about the residents of Billings, Montana who responded to an upsurge in hate violence by standing together for a hate-free community.

In 1993, hate activities in Billings reached a crescendo. Ku Klux Klan fliers were distributed, the Jewish cemetery was desecrated, the home of a Native American family was painted with swastikas, and a brick was thrown through the window of a six-year-old boy who displayed a Menorah for Hanukkah.

Rather than resigning itself to the growing climate of hate, the community took a stand. The police chief urged citizens to respond before the violence escalated any further. Religious groups from every denomination sponsored marches and candlelight vigils. The local labor council passed a resolution against racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia.

Members of the local Painters Union pitched in to paint over racist graffiti. The local newspaper printed full-page Menorahs that were subsequently displayed in nearly 10,000 homes and businesses. The community made an unmistakable declaration 'Not in Our Town' ...

http://www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk/news/Invitations-issued-to-tackle-hate.4714257.jp