Commentary: Alliance needs call to action on racism
Portia Johnson
EDITOR S NOTE: The following is the statement Smith Township resident Portia Johnson read during Thursday night s special Alliance City Council meeting about racism in the community after her home was vandalized. In her comments, Johnson used the racial slur that was painted on her home. She allowed the USA Today Network-Ohio to share her powerful words with our readers, but we have declined to use the slur in print.
I’m sure that you all have seen the horrific graffiti that dons the siding of my family home. I would like to start by commending the Alliance and Smith Township Police Departments, clergy leaders, City Council members Sheila Cherry and Cindy King, University of Mount Union, my superintendent Rob Gress, teachers, staff, parents, students, community members and passersby for your support through this horrible ordeal.