It is the mission of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance to dismantle racial, socioeconomic, and institutional barriers to ensure that people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.

On the night of August 17, the word "nigger" and a caricature face were
spray-painted on the driveway of a Park Township family. This was
discovered the next morning by the teenage son; one of the daughters asked
her mother, "Does this mean we will be killed?"

In response to this heinous act, a group of community organizations and
residents met to identify ways to respond.

One of the action items is to gather signatures for the following pledge:

NOT HERE. NOT NOW. NOT EVER AGAIN.

As concerned residents of West Michigan, we extend our support to the Park
Township family whose driveway was recently defaced with an offensive racial
slur and picture. We want the family to know that anyone who did this does
not reflect us or what we want our community to be, and we support efforts
to bring the person or persons to justice. We will work to see that no
other family living here now or in the future experiences the same shock and
pain. A diverse and welcoming community creates economic and wonderful
cultural benefits. But inclusion *depends* on all of us. We, the
undersigned, pledge to promote justice, celebrate our diversity, and act as
anti-racists in our personal and community lives.

If you would like to sign this pledge, please send your name electronically
to: admin@ethnicdiversity.org

Or if you would like to collect numerous names, please CLICK HERE for the
pledge form. Instructions on mailing are included.

Also, please feel free CLICK HERE for the press release.