Appalling display of racism in Lombard

A terrible incident took place the morning of Oct. 8. A family who recently moved to Lombard had racial slurs and attacks painted on their property. However, this is not the first occurrence.

As a former resident of Lombard, I am saddened by the blatant display of animosity toward this family. During the seven years that I lived in Lombard, my experiences were always positive. My neighborhood was quiet, peaceful and friendly. The minute this family moved to Lombard, they were robbed of that experience. They did not receive the warm welcome, they do not get to enjoy the comforts of home, nor do they get to feel the safety every family desires.

I am not naive enough to believe that racism no longer exists, but to have it expressed in such an open and ugly manner is shocking to me. Just as eye and hair color does not depict who we are, the color of our skin does not define our true characteristics, qualities, education or economic status.

Society has the power to change the effects of racism. We can unite against such hatred and demonstrate that we are in fact progressive and that we will not tolerate racism any longer.

Dana Banfi

DeKalb