To the editor:

I am sorry that the Breen family was targeted by their neighbor for displaying Biden and Black Lives Matter signs in their yard. As a community, we need to share the responsibility for this hurtful and unsettling intimidation. How can we build a more inclusive, anti-racist, and supportive community?

We can challenge our beliefs and assumptions. Yes, this can be uncomfortable, but what’s the alternative? Continuing to allow community members to feel unsafe, unwelcome, and afraid just for living here? That makes me uncomfortable.

I was angry, disheartened, and disturbed when someone vandalized our Black Lives Matter sign (I immediately repaired it) and then when it was stolen from our property the next night. Our political signs were untouched. Multiple people said, “It’s probably just kids…” My reaction to that was, “JUST kids? If it were kids, does that make it ok? Would your kids do this?” When adults exhibit disrespectful and racist behaviors, what does that teach our children? Systemic racism (and vandalism) should not be taken lightly. Our actions, or lack thereof, speak loudly.

Dismantling systemic racism, whose barbed threads are woven throughout our community, requires all of us to engage. Let’s be brave, and kind, and welcoming. As Amanda Gorman recited so eloquently on Inauguration Day, “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Sydney Montstream-Quas

Barrington