This cross was found burning on an Elkhart lawn. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. (Photo provided).
Story Created:
May 8, 2008 at 9:16 PM EDT
Story Updated:
May 11, 2008 at 10:50 PM EDT
ELKHART — A local family that found a burning cross in their yard is getting involved. They're working with the city and local NAACP chapter to ensure it doesn't happen to anyone else.
In 1999, Indiana was one of 11 states without a hate crimes law.
The NAACP worked to get one on the books after a man was killed in 1999. The Elkhart chapter gathered signatures to make people convicted of hate crimes ineligible for parole. The chapter's president, Ron Davis, says while it was a step forward for the state and city, there is still work to be done.
"The Williams family saga has taken a toll over the last several years culminating in a despicable display of cowardice," said Bradley Vite, a family friend acting as spokesperson.
Maggie and Adam Williams moved from Mississippi 15 years ago. They didn't anticipate awakening to a burning cross feet from their sleeping children.
"This incident has shocked and disturbed many," said Vite.
But out of the ashes, arose hope.
"Some good can and will come out of this sad and disheartening act of violence," said Williams.
The last hate crime was committed in 1999 when a man was killed for being black. Davis says good came out of it.
"We did a petition drive to have a hate crime law put on the books," he said.
And it worked.
"It could be stricter, but something was better than nothing. Hopefully someday they'll make it stricter," said Davis.
The NAACP is encouraging the FBI to find the person who did this.
"They are cowards," said Davis.
But despite it all, the Williams say Elkhart will remain their home because people have proven this is the city with a heart.
"People do want to show us that we really love your family and something like this. There aren't many people around here who feel like that," said Maggie Williams, who found the burning cross.
The family would not comment on any previous discrimination because of the FBI investigation.
The FBI has not released information about suspects or persons of interest.
Agents have already collected evidence, but they'll be back Monday to interview the family.
Saturday, May 10 at 11:23 AM oh yeah wrote ...
some people don't know what real pain and degradation is. some young people and some minorities, for example. I remember May of 1961, basic training at Lackland AFB marching around in 90 deg. humid heat, the DIs yelling insults, not allowing water then running around a parade ground a couple laps. I got out of step and our NCO kicked me in the keister so hard I cried. And this is minor stuff. So many people have suffered so much in so many ways, I hardly think a cross burning merits a Fed. case.