In a show of unity against hatred, around 100 San Francisco residents rallied in Alamo Square this past weekend to support dog walker Terry Williams, who was the victim of two racist incidents. According to The Standard, Williams found a package on his porch containing a blackface doll with a noose around its neck, smeared with racist slurs, on April 26. The San Francisco Police Department is actively investigating the incidents as hate crimes and has yet to make any arrests.
The local community decided to quickly galvanize and express their disgust for the act of hate, gathering with signs that proclaimed "no hate, only love" and "no to racism." The support was evident as residents stood firmly on the park's sunny hillside, making their voices heard. "Terry looks after this neighborhood," neighbor Bruce Hill told The Standard. "The fact that he was attacked when he's a protector of this beautiful space we all live in is shocking and what that person did to him is cowardly."
The gathering also served a secondary purpose: to press authorities to put more resources into finding those responsible for the crime. A neighborhood Whatsapp group that already had 60 members was strongly spun into action, suggesting ideas for standing by Williams. "He is such a terrific guy and we all love him and want to show him support," rally organizer Jack Song said, as reported by The Standard. Moreover, a GoFundMe campaign was launched on April 30 to raise funds for installing security cameras at Williams' residence, raising over $12,000 towards a $15,000 goal within a week.
The heartfelt response wasn't limited to the weekend rally. "This incident is so ugly and, at the same time, look at what it brings out love. So that's a beautiful thing," said Bruce Hill, echoing the sentiments of his community members in a statement obtained by NBC Bay Area. "I'm happy everyone came out to support me," Williams told NBC Bay Area. "It spreads awareness and maybe we can, like, defeat what's going on around our neighborhood." The police have been canvassing the area, checking surveillance footage, and gathering information, Supervisor Dean Preston confirmed, assuring that the investigation is still on top of the priority list.
As the investigation continues, the SFPD has asked anyone with information regarding the incidents to come forward. Tips can be sent to 415-575-4444 or texted to TIP411 starting with "SFPD."
