Hailey
On Sunday, two influential organizations, NAACP and Missouri Faith Voices, gathered in downtown Springfield to respond to the controversial announcement made by a whites-only group, Return to the Land, that they intended to build a whites-only community in Missouri.
This marks a significant moment for Springfield, a city that has grown in diversity over the years, as it addresses concerns about potential division and hate.
Organizations Come Together
The gathering, held in Springfield, Missouri, was an important statement against the idea of segregation and racial exclusion.
The NAACP and Missouri Faith Voices have long stood for inclusivity, unity, and support for marginalized communities. They made it clear that they would not tolerate any attempts to bring back an era of racial segregation or promote discriminatory ideologies.
Return to the Land’s Plans in Missouri
The group, Return to the Land, has already made their presence known in northeast Arkansas, where they own 150 acres of land.
Their goal is to create exclusive communities where only white individuals can live, focusing on what they describe as the preservation of white European culture.
However, their proposal has caused major concerns about the rise of hate speech and division in communities that have worked hard to build bridges across racial lines.
A Step Back in Time?
This proposal to establish a whites-only community in Missouri has drawn heavy criticism from leaders like Pastor Tracey Wolff of the Springfield NAACP. In a heartfelt statement, Wolff pointed out that Springfield has undergone significant positive changes in the last few decades.
From the time when she attended school in Springfield in the 1980s to today, Wolff highlighted the growth of inclusivity and acceptance that Springfield has embraced.
Wolff reflected on how the city has evolved from a place that was less welcoming to one that is now more open-minded and diverse.
She emphasized the importance of preserving and continuing this positive growth, stressing that Springfield’s success lies in the unity and welcoming environment it now fosters. “We want to see that continue and grow so that everybody feels welcome, and our city thrives,” said Wolff.
Standing Against Hate
Pastor Susan Schmalzbauer of Missouri Faith Voices echoed these sentiments, condemning the plans of Return to the Land. Schmalzbauer likened the group’s actions to the dark days of sundown towns, where people of color were not allowed to live or stay after dark.
Schmalzbauer made it clear that there is no place for hate in Missouri, or anywhere else. “Hate divides, but love unites,” she said, emphasizing the need for solidarity and understanding.
Both pastors agreed that the idea of a whites-only community was an attempt to reverse progress and bring back an era that the country had worked hard to move away from. The message from Springfield’s leaders was clear: now is not the time to turn back the clock.
Diversity is Springfield’s Strength
Pastor Wolff reiterated that Springfield has become a welcoming city, where people from all backgrounds, races, and cultures can thrive together.
She emphasized that this spirit of inclusion is what has made the city stronger and that Springfield should remain a place where diversity is celebrated, not feared.
Return to the Land’s Leader Responds
In a conversation with KY3, Eric Orwoll, the leader of Return to the Land, denied that the group was pushing for white supremacy. He maintained that their mission was focused on the preservation of white European culture rather than promoting any form of racial division.
However, their actions, including the attempt to create racially exclusive communities, have been perceived by many as promoting dangerous, exclusionary beliefs that conflict with Springfield’s values of equality and justice.
What’s Next for Springfield?
As this issue continues to unfold, many Springfield residents, including members of the NAACP and Missouri Faith Voices, are determined to make sure that their city remains a symbol of acceptance, unity, and diversity.
They are committed to upholding the progress Springfield has made over the past few decades and ensuring that their community stays inclusive for everyone.
The gathering of Springfield’s leaders and community members marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against racial division and hate.
As Return to the Land pushes forward with their controversial plans, Springfield stands firm in its belief that inclusion, unity, and love will always triumph over hate.
The future of Springfield is one of diversity and acceptance, and leaders like Pastor Wolff and Pastor Schmalzbauer are committed to ensuring that these values are protected.