Message calls Lincoln to stand together

 

[August 05, 2020] 

A new billboard has popped up recently at the Logan County Fairgrounds, and on Monday night a crowd gathered to celebrate its presence and the work being done to overcome hate in the community. The billboard, which simply reads “Hate is not welcome here,” started as an idea by former Logan County Board member Jan Schumacher.

Schumacher, who currently lives in Missouri, wanted to do something positive after pamphlets promoting white supremacy were distributed in central Illinois, including Lincoln. Schumacher started a fund for the billboard, including a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign goal was reached in a matter of hours. The donation page is still active, and still accepting donations.

Several people spoke at the gathering. One of the speakers was Jeanette Harris, a citizen of Lincoln for the last twelve years. Harris repeatedly referred to the gathering as a celebration. “We came to celebrate…that hate is not welcome here.” Harris said that moments like this are not small for our community. “What I’m seeing, I’ve never seen here before. Silence is no longer an option.”

“We all have work to do,” said Harris. “None of this is easy. I have friends who have lost friends…and family members.”

Rev. Glenn Shelton of the Second Baptist Church offered a prayer as part of his speech. Shelton, a resident of Lincoln for more than thirty years, said his “heart is full” at the sight of gatherings like the one at fairgrounds.

He also spoke of his own struggles as an African American in dealing with hate from others in the community. “I saw Americans in this city not being treated fairly. I started to speak out,” said Shelton.

Shelton also spoke about his continuing efforts to make sure that governing bodies and businesses do their part to support equal access for customers and job seekers, not just on the basis of race, but also in regard to disability. “I reminded them [business owners] of the American Disability Act,” said Shelton. Shelton said he faced hate and anger from people over his actions but it did not stop him.

“There wasn’t anybody standing with me,” said Shelton. “Now, we have another generation rising up, picking up the banner, speaking up…and declaring that hate is not welcome here.”

Ariel Dilworth, also a resident of Lincoln, spoke on her experiences in educating herself on the issues facing African Americans. Dilworth made mention of an early July Facebook post on the hatred African Americans deal with, which came with a lot of negative conversation in the comments. But she also received several messages from people across the country who wanted to share similar stories with her, and wanted her to know that her post actually gave them hope, because she was now paying attention and seeing the injustice that others had seen and experienced.

“My heart was broken, and honestly it still is…because Jesus makes it so clear that a Christian’s job is to love God and love others,” said Dilworth. Dilworth added that the Declaration of Independence asserts that all men are created equal, yet members of the African American community are hated and treated as unequal by so many people and institutions. “Not once have I been afraid to walk at night, or in a hoodie,” said Dilworth.

Dilworth also said it can be easy to feel discouraged, especially when we try to address the attitudes and behaviors of others. “People shrink down in righteous shock, appalled that we would make such a statement.” Dilworth added that the grief expressed during such times is also a good thing, as it also asks for oppressors to acknowledge what they have done, and doesn’t let them hide from it.

Rev. Carolyn Coleman, also from the Second Baptist Church, spoke, and she focused on how long the fight against racism has been. Coleman said that racism has always been a problem not just in our community, but for the nation as a whole, for four hundred years, stretching back to the early settlements in what would eventually become the United States. Coleman said that for too long, “racism has been a thorn in America’s side.”

“In the year of 2020, we are still fighting for the right to vote; the right to live; the right not to die,” said Coleman. “As uncomfortable as it may be to confront these issues, and as helpless as it feels to affect change, this is where and how we make the shift…right here, right now, tonight.”

“It will take each and every one of us to fervently call out racism when it happens,” said Coleman.

Another religious leader in the community in attendance was Pastor Adam Quine of the First Presbyterian Church. Quine, a resident of Lincoln for the last eight years, said that attempts to drive the community apart have only resulted in a “cry for solidarity and love throughout this city, this community, and this county. I am proud to say that many of our community’s members have taken pubic stands and voiced their words against a vile presence in Lincoln.”

Quine also spoke on the actions of younger people in the community. “Students are showing up and teaching us about solidarity, sharing their experience, exposing their vulnerability, and uniting and knitting us together.”

Quine said that he is proud to see Lincoln come together to grow as a welcoming community for others. “We cannot pretend that this work was easy, nor can we presume our work is complete,” said Quine. “We must not forget that for every name we can save, there are countless black lives that are forgotten in history’s pages.”

Quine also acknowledged the problematic history and present state of other parts of the community. “What a silly sight it is to come to the only city in the whole country named after the Great Emancipator while he was alive and see the Confederate battle flag,” said Quine. “Now is the time for words and actions.”

A good place to start taking a stand, and to continue promoting a more welcoming atmosphere in the community, is to let people know with signs and bumper stickers of their own that reinforce the work done so far. “They invite us to put our love on display…they invite discussion.”

Quine also added that the Presbyterian Church is offering supplies for anyone with children who want to create their own artwork to display on their lawn. Those who want to do so can contact the church for more information.

Tim Rivera, a citizen of Lincoln, spoke about his own struggles, including a conviction for a crime he did not commit. “I stand before you a product of your town, and I’ve dealt with racism most of my life.”

Ron Keller spoke on behalf of the city government and the mayor. Keller said that the city council is putting together language to form a publicly run commission to bring diverse voices and experiences to the city council. Keller said he is “tired of being reactive. We need to be proactive” on these issues. “This commission will tell us how we can do a better job of being welcoming and inclusive.”

“Mayor Welch wanted me to pass on to all of you that the city of Lincoln supports this initiative,” said Keller. “In the first city named for Abraham Lincoln, that should be a given.”

Kia Glenn and Quentin Brackenridge both sang for their part of the event. Brackenridge performed a medley of songs, and Glenn performed a song called “You know my name.”

A Facebook group, Resist Racism Logan County, has been at the forefront of this movement within Logan County. They invite people to get involved in any way they can to help make Lincoln feel welcoming to everyone.

[Derek Hurley]