Letter: Saddened by hate

I write to you because I am outraged, saddened and exasperated that I continue to find evidence of disdain for people of color. In the late evening of Jan. 1, I was alerted about a disturbing discovery in our village under a Weller Creek overpass. So as to witness with my own eyes, I made the late-night drive to confirm what I can only describe as a disgusting display of hate.

Written across the wall and beams over Weller Creek near George Street was a specific, targeted racial slur and the words "I hate." The slur was written repeatedly across the beams and a support wall.

I am thankful to our Police Department for their continued investigation toward finding the person(s) responsible for this cowardly act and to our Public Works Department for quickly working to cover the disgusting display. I only wish that racism and hate could be so easily removed by a coat of paint.

I know that Mount Prospect is not alone in fighting this battle. Locally, I am reminded of the felony counts of hate crime and criminal damage to property charged when racist phrases and symbols were painted across Arlington Heights, as well as the felony hate crime charges for a man who painted hateful symbols on an Elmhurst church.

A display of hate must be met with a stronger, larger display of empathy, hope and love. To all those who share my emotion, please know that I hear you, I see you and I appreciate you. My biracial family continues to grow in this beautiful village, and we are reminded daily of the immense support and warm kindness of our neighbors. We will not allow this act to mar who we are as a village. Hate has no home in Mount Prospect.

Agostino S. Filippone, Trustee

Mount Prospect