WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsStanding up against racism on Madison's southwest side

Standing up against racism on Madison's southwest side

MADISON (WKOW) -- More than 100 people joined together Tuesday night on Madison's southwest side to say they will not tolerate hate.

Many of the neighbors 27 News spoke with have lived in the area for 20 years or more.

They say racism has not been a problem, and they are not going to let it start now.

"We will not stand for that. We stand together. No matter what color we are or any other diversities we have," Dena Miller said.

Miller is one of several neighbors in the area who woke up last week to racist messages like "white power" and swastikas tagged on her fence.

"I was pretty angry that someone would vandalize our property in such an ugly way," she said.

"That very night people we were out with flashlights and paint in the dark cleaning up their property," said Larry Sperling, president of the Green Tree Neighborhood Association.

The suspect could face nine months in jail and fines up to $10,000.

But police have not made any arrests yet.

"The police are doing their investigations now, and it's just too early to tell," Sperling said. "What we know is that we don't like it."

So they are doing something about it.

Black and white, young and old—the community is celebrating its diversity.

They are united against racism exactly one week after the hateful messages surfaced.

Families held a candlelight vigil then marched together to a nearby school to share a meal and ideas.

"We really talked about what we can do for the young people because it starts there," said Alderman Matt Phair.

Police say they still do not know if the graffiti is gang-related, but they have said it does not seem to be targeting specific people in the neighborhood.