An excerpt from Not In Our Town II, broadcast on PBS in 1996. South Carolina citizens rebuild churches and act to prevent racially-motivated arson.
This video chronicles community response to church arsons in the 1990's. In the Heart of the South -- St. John Baptist Church in South Carolina, originally founded by slaves, was nearly destroyed by racially motivated vandalism in 1985. Ten years later in 1995, it burned to the ground. As members of this small congregation gather at the charred ruins and vow to rebuild we meet Ammie Murray, who leads community efforts in support of the parishioners and New York Fire Fighter Pete Critsimilios who was so moved by St. John Baptist's plight that he sent 100 engraved bibles. Also profiled are labor union members who rebuild churches throughout the South. (4:58)
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Video Category: Preventative Strategies
Over a decade ago, one town took a stand against hate and intolerance. Their story helped launch a national movement: Not In Our Town. You can join them! (1:26)
After a fatal gun shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, members of the Knoxville, TN, community get together and use Not In Our Town films to mobilize community discussion and action. (3:56)
The twin cities of Bloomington - Normal, Illinois, were early adopters of Not In Our Town before a hate crime occurred. Then when a wave of arsons struck African American churches across the country, the campaign drew even more support from twin city residents. (3:19)
Rockford, Illinois, organized a five-month Not In Our Town campaign, after employees in the Rockford Park District brought the idea to the city. Area businesses, churches, and schools signed onto a Not In Our Town proclamation and participated in the campaign. The campaign culminated with a community march across the river that divides the city's east and west sides. (3:58)
When members of Fred Phelps' anti-gay group targeted churches and businesses in Bloomington, IL, concerned residents and NIOT leaders organized a counter event and brought umbrellas as a symbolic shield against hate. (1:55)
A group of concerned citizens in Prince William County, VA, work to rebuild community in the aftermath of the killing of a Mexican day laborer, Serafin Negrete. (4:03)
Welcome signs surrounding a city can be important markers signifying much more than its population or city seal. The Northern California city of Newark decided to affirm its dedication to fostering acceptance and inclusion by unveiling a city plaque and banners with this message. (2:22)
This film is part of the hour-long Not In Our Town: Northern California special. Click here to purchase the DVD and download our free educator guide here.
When Alice Curtis, a resident of Olympia, WA, discovered hate literature in her driveway and the driveways of her neighbors, she decided to deliver another message to her community. (1:56)
Leaders of the Silicon Valley community of Mountain View are joining forces to make their city more inclusive and safe for everyone. (3:09)