Residents in Worthington, Sharon Township and other surrounding neighborhoods recently received disturbing flyers in front of their homes that appear to be recruiting propaganda from an organization known for its racist history and beliefs. Many flyers were dropped at the homes of Black residents in the historic Flint Road area, recognized for its role in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery movement, and other neighborhoods to try and intimidate and frighten people.  

Residents and leaders with the City of Worthington, Sharon Township and our community partner organizations and businesses want to spread the message loud and clear: These hateful attempts to intimidate and scare people will not be tolerated. We join our voices together to condemn this attack and any expressions of bias and racism in our neighborhoods and community. We believe that this and other efforts to stir hate, racism or discrimination have no place in our community. We refuse to let individuals who spread hate and racist messages affect our way of life. Our citizens have every right to live without fear and rest assured that they are safe in their homes and neighborhoods. We will continue to provide a supportive, protective and welcoming environment for all people and will work together to make our communities a safer place for all. 

If you get the flyer, report it to the Worthington Police, Sharon Township Police, or the police department in the jurisdiction where you live. Law enforcement and other organizations track this type of activity and it could be valuable for future investigations. In addition, the Worthington Community Relations Commission (CRC) is facilitating conversations about ways to further eliminate discrimination and bias and welcomes your involvement. Email the CRC at WCRC@Worthington.org. 

We encourage you to use this experience as motivation to connect with your neighbors and take action to learn more and participate in some of these activities to honor and reflect on Worthington’s history and show support for one other. 

Resources and Information

• African Americans have been a part of Worthington since its earliest days. The story of the Black experience in Worthington from the early 1800s to today is complex and varied. While in some aspects, Worthington was unique and progressive in is social activism and integration, it is also true that discrimination and inequality have been present from the first years. This walking tour, developed by our partners with the Worthington Historical Society, visits locations with ties to Black history and offers histories that will provide a glimpse into the African American story over the past two centuries. https://pocketsights.com/tours/tour/Worthington-African-American-History-in-Worthington-4355 
• Read about Ozem Gardner, an early Sharon Township resident who was a conductor on the Underground Railroad. https://ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Ozem_Gardner The Walnut Grove and Flint Cemeteries Board of Trustees recently purchased the Ozem Gardner home and plans to fully restore it.
• Take the time to review the many anti-racism resources compiled by the Worthington Community Relations Commission and Worthington Libraries. 
  1. https://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/explore/subject-guides/racial-justice-and-anti-racism-resources
  2. https://worthington.org/326/Community-Relations-Commission 

By working together and supporting each other we will build a safer, more inclusive community that embraces all people.