Story Created:
May 15, 2008 at 4:36 PM CDT
Story Updated:
May 15, 2008 at 7:18 PM CDT
After the racial "N" word was tagged onto a local home here in Wichita Falls, leaders and neighbors are stepping up in disgust!
Dr. Sherrette Shaw-Fontenot says it wasn't just done on the fence, the hateful word was also spray painted on the drive way! The family says they're not going to leave it up forever, but just for the time being to make a point that hate crimes are real and still take place!
The family's children were leaving for school Wednesday morning when they noticed racial comments. It is a heartbreak for any mother to have to explain the hateful act to children.
" I'm pretty up front I go you know racism is here there are people who will look at you and make assumptions based on your skin color. It's just real." said Dr. Sherrette Shaw-Fontenot.
The family has lived in the home for ten years and have no idea who would have done this or why! The FBI is involved and so are city leaders saying this type of crime will not be tolerated.
"It doesn't reflect anything about 99.9% of the citizens of Wichita falls but even that 1/10th percent is too much to have something like this happen!" said Wichita Falls Mayor Lanham Lyne.
"There are good people in this town, so don't let one or two bad apples make everyone think this town is terrible it's not!" said Dr. Shaw-Fontenot.
She hopes the hate crime towards her family will force others to stop judging people by skin color but instead to judge by the content of their character. Friends and family members will gather at the family's home tonight for a prayer vigil. It's basically a chance for the community to show it's love and support for the Fontenots and to take a stand against racism.
If you have any information please call Wichita Falls CrimeStoppers at (940)322-9888.