St. Angela Merici is one of the Fairview Park churches to participate in the "Everyone is our neighbor" campaign, begun in response to a racist note left in the yard of an African-American family. (West Life photo by Kevin Kelley)

FBI now investigating racist note, noose incident
By Kevin Kelley
Fairview Park
Published Sept. 16, 2009

A rope twisted in the form of a noose and a racist note left in the yard of an African American family Sunday is now in the hands of the FBI.

Fairview Park Police had intended to send the evidence to the state’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation in Richfield, Police Chief Patrick Nealon said. However, the FBI offered its help on the case, and the police department accepted the offer, he added.

The evidence is now at the FBI’s criminal lab in Quantico, Va.

Two children of Fredrick Howery found the note and rope in the front yard of their West 223rd Street home. The note, signed by “Aryan Knights of Fairview Park,” told the family to leave the city.

Reaction in the community against the incident of racial intimidation has been strong.

Mayor Eileen Patton has said such an act is unacceptable.

“Fairview Park will continue to welcome all residents to share in a safe and respectful community,” Patton said. “We simply will not tolerate discrimination and harassment toward any of our residents.”

The mayor added that her administration will keep the community informed of the results of the criminal investigation.

The marquee of the Fairview High School sign along Lorain Road also displays the "Everyone is our neighbor" message. (West Life photo by Kevin Kelley)

Community leaders have met in response to this incident and agreed to a joint response in solidarity against such actions. City Hall, schools and local churches have displayed the message “Everyone is our neighbor” on their respective marquee signs.

“Our goal is to encourage the Howery family that we stand with them, and we stand together,” said Dan Sewell, pastor of New Hope Church. “Hopefully, this will help calm their fears, and show these people and any who might wonder where we stand — which is together. It may be a symbolic gesture, but those can inspire and answer critics on occasion.”