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The Texas Blue
Advancing Progressive Ideas

Overt Racism Alive and Hating In the 21st Century

Just when you begin looking back to all of the progress achieved in civil rights for the past 40 years, someone perpetrates an act reminding you the struggle continues today in some parts of the country.

In Montague County, Bowie police are investigating hate crimes related to two cases of criminal mischief. The cases involve Brent Austin who is a white male married to a black female. Austin’s wife is in the military and currently stationed in Korea while he stays home taking care of their children.

The crime took place on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred when someone carved racist threats on Austin’s car saying “stay or die,” “KKK,” and portraying an image of a person hanging from a noose. The second incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. with a brink being thrown through his house window, racial slurs spray painted on his car and garage, and a doll painted black hanging from a noose and placed on his front porch.

I don't know how something like this could be happening in 2007. Let’s hope the Bowie community comes together in support of Austin and his family through this tragic time. A message should be sent to the perpetrators that they and their actions are intolerable and unwelcome. The struggle does indeed continue.

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