MILL CREEK – Two months after hate engulfed them in fear, an Everett family got together Saturday with community members for some healing.
“The darkness will not win,” the Rev. Kevin Bates, pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek, told about 30 people who participated in a worship service called “A Response of Love to an Act of Hatred.”
The church decided to hold the event after talking to the Whitlow family, who were the victims of a hate crime, Bates said.
In October, Ravonne Whitlow’s gold Cadillac was spray-painted with a racial slur. The vehicle’s four tires were slashed and more than 5 pounds of sugar was poured into the gas tank, causing nearly $3,700 in damage. The Whitlows are black.
Later, police arrested and charged two white teenagers with felonies.
Saturday’s service featured speakers who talked about what people can do to combat hate crimes. They also sang and offered solace to the Whitlow family.
As part of the service, suggestions were made about how to curb future hate crimes. It was suggested that people need to realize and control their prejudices, and educate young people about the impact of hate crimes.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson told the crowd that community members need to raise a voice when hate causes a crime.
“It’s not good enough to be silent,” Stephanson said.
Adults can make a difference by educating children, who are not born with hate but learn it from others, he said.
“We must be examples as community leaders; we must be examples as citizens,” he said.
If someone has an idea of committing a hate crime, the only way to get over it is to have a love for everyone and for God, said the Rev. Jason Martin of Arlington.
Two Arlington teenagers in March burned a cross at the home of Martin, a black minister.
There are many people who have no clue about the reality of hate crimes in communities, Martin said, adding that the turnout for Saturday’s worship might have been better.
“It’s a tragedy that more people are not here,” he said.
Yet, Ravonne Whitlow and his wife, Joyce, said they were touched by the presence of each individual.
“I just thank you very much. I’m pretty much nervous standing here,” Joyce Whitlow said, causing laughter among the crowd.
Near the end of the service, the participants prayed together, each saying a piece of the prayer.
“Let’s pray for the healing of the community.”
“For the understanding of one another.”
“For the strength and conviction.”
“For the courage to speak up.”
“For coming together and saying, ‘Not in our community.’”
“For the realization that we are all human beings.”
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