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Graffiti in Lawnside, New Jersey featured racial slurs and images

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LAWNSIDE — The target of a racist incident in this historically black city said she feels comforted by the support of neighbors and the public.

“I’m full of love here,” Dawn Hines said in an interview Tuesday. “I think love will conquer hate.”

Authorities say someone painted a racial slur and offensive images on a fence behind her home the night of Nov. 5 through the morning of Nov. 6.

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Two Camden County officials condemned the vandalism Tuesday as “a shocking and despicable display of hate that has absolutely no place in Camden County.”

Commissioners Al Dyer and Jonathan Young Sr., speaking on behalf of the county board, also noted Lawnside's “deep connection to the African-American community, as it was the first independent, self-governing African-American community north of the Mason-Dixon Line.”

Hines said she was at work when a neighbor called to tell her about the destroyed fence on busy Evesham Road.

The neighbor was reluctant to describe the graffiti and instead took a photo.

“He sent the picture and let it speak for itself,” Hines said. “I immediately said, 'This is a hate crime!'”

This was the first incident of its kind for Hines, who has lived in the home for about 20 years.

“I’m still in disbelief,” she said, noting that the initial waves of anger and fear had subsided.

“I realize it took place shortly after the election (Nov. 5),” Hines added.

Public works workers on the lawn and a neighbor helped paint over the black graffiti on their white privacy fence. Fence company employees volunteered to replace the damaged panels.

“I’ve been feeling better the last few days,” said Hines, who noted the community response has spread love, support and awareness about the incident.

“This helps me,” she said. “It's reassuring.” The incident is under investigation, Lawnside Police Capt. William Plenty said.

Anyone with information is asked to call county police at 856 573-6205 or the district attorney's office at 856-225-8400.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter at the Courier-Post, the Burlington County Times and the Daily Journal. Email: [email protected].

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