In Lawnside, New Jersey, a historic African American community, residents are rallying around Dawn Hines after her backyard fence was vandalized with racist graffiti.
The offensive messages, which included slurs and symbols, were discovered last weekend.
Hines, who has lived in the principally Black neighborhood for over two decades, immediately reported the incident to the police.
The fence, visible from a busy road, appears to have been targeted for maximum visibility.
The shocking act has drawn doom from the community, known for its deep roots as the first independent, self-governing African American municipality north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Neighbors quickly responded by removing the graffiti and organizing discussions to strengthen local security and solidarity.
Among those stepping up is Nick Amechi, a local business owner from Fence USA, who pledged to replace the damaged fence.
This incident comes with a rise in reported bias crimes in New Jersey. The state logged 2,699 incidents in 2023, continuing an upgoing trend from previous years.
Officials, including Attorney General Matt Platkin, cite increased reporting and emboldened expressions of hate as contributing factors.
The timing of the Lawnside incident has raised concerns, with some linking it to the broader socio-political climate.
Amol Sinha of the ACLU of New Jersey noted that leadership rhetoric can influence such acts.
While the investigation continues, the community remains united. Lawnside’s residents, along with organizations like the Camden County East NAACP, are focusing on proactive measures, including safety enhancements and public meetings.
Hines plans to install security cameras and repaint her fence, confident in the love and support of her neighbors.
The borough’s spirit of unity and defiance against hate underscores its enduring legacy.
As residents look out for one another, they aim to reaffirm Lawnside’s place as a beacon of resilience and community strength.
