Ossining Police continue to search for the person who wrote the words “N—– lives don’t matter” across the pavement on Emwilton Place on October 9. “The message appears directed at a particular home, but it is also directly across from Ossining High School,” Ossining Police Department said on social media earlier this month.
The OPD also said that a witness saw someone described as a “white male, thin build, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a mask holding chalk and possibly writing on the roadway,” on the morning of the incident.
“This department and this community will never stand for hate, intimidation, or an attempt to instill fear in our neighbors. We will always be here to protect our community and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to live with a sense of safety and security,” the department shared on Twitter.
Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester also shared this message, adding: “Hate will never have a home in Ossining.” Detectives continue their investigation and ask anyone with information to call them at 914-941-4099 and ask for detectives. All calls can be kept anonymous.
The incident occured in front of Ossining High School and also infront of Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg’s home. “As much as I was disturbed and horrified by this hateful language in front of my home, it’s nothing compared to the atrocities black people have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of white people,” Levenberg commented to Black Westchester. “I will not stop sharing love instead of hate and remaining committed to upend racism in our world.”
State Senator David Carlucci, who represents Ossining, said, “The racial slur found in front of Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg’s home and Ossining High School was a disgusting act, appearing to incite fear. Racism and hate are cancers perpetuated by intolerant and emboldened individuals. I am saddened this happened in our community where Town Supervisor Levenberg uses her voice to bring people of all backgrounds together. I encourage anyone with information to come forward and speak with police.”
Religious leaders and leaders from Ossining United spoke out against the message. “The perpetrators have provided us with new evidence that systematic racism is alive in Ossining,” said Bishop Joan Whittaker, House of Refuge Apostolic Church (HORAC Ministries) to Black Westchester.
The response from the entire Ossining community was that this incident will not impede the progress made to overcome racism.
