Providence hate crime under investigation

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Graffiti laced with ignorant words of hate were found on a community center in Providence Wednesday.

As police search for the person who did it, members say they remain focused on their mission to help immigrants.

Inside Higher Ground International, a nonprofit in Providence that helps West African immigrants, its members have been shaken to the core.

The organization’s goal is to spread love, peace, and equality through out the community, and its mission is evident every where you look.

However, sometime early Wednesday morning, graffiti was left behind for all to see.

Hateful words were spray painted on the ground and dumpster.

“I always left the door open to people and now I’m locking the door and I’m scared and asking who is there. We have people who come here who have experienced war and now we don’t know if someone is going to come here to hurt,” said Henrietta White-Holder; CEO of Higher Ground International.

White-Holder started the organization nine years ago. More than a hundred people across the city turn to her for help and support.

“I know how it feels when people say go back to where you have come from, because it has been said to me before.”

Volunteers say they have always felt a sense of security here until now.

“There is a lot of hatred in our country right now and this is an oasis for anyone who comes through the door and the threaten that oasis and to be less than a safe place it’s safe for everyone I’m not West African, but I feel at home here,” said volunteer Kathy Jennison.

Providence police and Mayor Elorza are both investigating.

White-Holder says they are in the process of installing security cameras.

She says no matter what, “this” will not ever get in the way of her main mission.

“Love, pardon the pun Trump’s hate, and hate doesn’t exist here. We have so many people who love us so much more than what this hate did to us yesterday.”

A peace rally is being planned following this hate crime. No word yet when it will take place.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017