Flossmoor Hosts Anti-Defamation League State of Hate Presentation

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Flossmoor is sponsoring a public Anti-Defamation League "State of Hate" presentation and discussion next Wednesday.

The move comes after several high-profile racist incidents rocked the area in the spring, including a viral video of Homewood-Flossmoor High School students wearing blackface that prompted classmates to stage a walkout at the school, said spokeswoman Allison Matson.

The goal is to provide community members with information and the tools to understand national hate crime trends, to recognize hate incidents and take action to fight back against hate, she said.

“When local officials came together in May as a response to the community crisis, we were very deliberate in making sure that our role would come with a long-term view," said Village Manager Bridget Wachtel. "While there was a place for us in reacting to what happened, our priority as community leaders is to build strong neighbor relationships that result in resilient communities when crisis or tragedy occurs."

Government agencies in both Homewood and Flossmoor gathered to discuss how to handle the spring incidents and to unify residents who live in the villages. They determined that one way to do that was to hold forums for conversation and education about race, and to give an opportunity for residents to meet each other.

Matson said Wednesday's event is a continuation of the work Flossmoor has done and will continue to do regarding diversity and inclusion, which is a part of the village’s strategic plan.

"We hope that our residents continue to find value in these conversations and have the patience and endurance that it will take to move forward with what happened. It is up to all of us to give our time to learn from one another and devote our energy to growing a stronger H-F community," Wachtel said.

The event is sponsored by the Village of Flossmoor, School Districts 153, 161 and 233, the Flossmoor Public Library and the HF Park District.

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held Wed., July 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Flossmoor's Village Hall at 2800 Flossmoor Road. Registration is required.