Rob Selkow Reporting
rselkow@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – “This ought to be a wake-up call to our community,” said State Representative Joe Pitts two days after a burned cross was found outside the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
“The burning of a cross anywhere, but especially at an African-American church is just unacceptable,” Pitts said.
Clarksville Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime against the historically black church, but Sgt. Charles Gill told Clarksvillenow.com that as of Thursday morning they have no leads and have received no tips from the public.
“I’ve had some constituents call me and say this is just not right and we need to do something, so this is a call to action,” Pitts said. “It’s time for good people to stand up.”
He’s asking the public to join him Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. on the church grounds at 1300 Rossview Road.
“There won’t be any speeches; we’ll simply come together as a community to support New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and demonstrate a show of unity,” he said.
Sheriff Fuson and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will handle traffic control.
Read the original story here.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Clarksville Police at 931-648-0656 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (931) 645-TIPS (8477).
