My family and I traditionally spend our summers in Tolchester, in a house built by my father-in-law. My wife is a native of Kent County, but our kids were born in New York City and have grown up attending NY public schools. When the city shut down in March, and the schools closed due to the Covid-19 crisis, we relocated to our Maryland home.
Our neighborhood in New York is very diverse, and both of our now teenage daughters have had the benefit of a racially and culturally expansive upbringing. Their broad worldview, I believe, has taken shape naturally in this context, and their daily experiences have given them inherent respect for all people regardless of their ethnicity.
Not long after decamping to Maryland, the unnecessary and tragic death of George Floyd sparked a wave of social unrest in our country. Communities across the U.S. erupted in protest, and a general intolerance of the racial disparities in America’s justice system finally found a more appropriately comprehensive voice.
During this time, my girls felt acutely isolated. We attended some local rally’s and found solidarity and shared grief here within the big, warm heart of Kent County. My fifteen-year-old, however, found it increasingly upsetting to be away from her friends, many of whom she felt desperate to stand up for, and to stand with. With nowhere else to direct her frustration, she walked out to the end of our quiet lane with some chalk.
Where a few years ago she may have drawn a hopscotch board, she wrote the words “Justice for Breonna Taylor, Black Lives Matter” in blue and yellow pastel. The gesture seemed to give her a little peace. Maybe an hour had gone by when I noticed a car stopped out on the road by the inscription, its driver taking photos. A little later I thought to do the same, but discovered the writing had been completely scrubbed away leaving only a few puddles. I was left bewildered and admittedly irritated.
Not to be deterred, the next day my daughter marched back out with her chalk and, in the spirit of free expression, wrote “Racism can’t silence me. BLM!” She sat defiantly by the road and guarded her work. Eventually, she got bored and left. When she returned to check on it, it had been once again removed – this time with vinegar. She was heartbroken.
For my kids it’s nearly impossible to fathom why anyone would take such action against the obvious moral high ground. Who would be against justice? I look for the words to explain how the subject has been politicized, and that Black Lives Matter detractors aren’t necessarily defending racism or discrimination, but perhaps seek to respond to what they believe to be aggression toward their “side,” their tribe. Forgiveness and compassion is a committed strategy that my parents, strong civil rights advocates, instilled in me. Try to understand everyone’s fears and the load they’re carrying. Here and now, though, in such proximity to the underground railroad, and where Chestertown has recently voted to allow the painting of its own historic inscription, boldly transcending all caution as to its incendiary potential, I’m struggling to see a reason to apologize for and accept such disciplined ignorance and pitiful insensitivity. Like my daughters, I cannot be silent. Nor should any of us suffer fools gladly.
Chad Jones owns his own business working with museums and art galleries throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He and his family lives part-time in New York City and Tolchester in Kent County.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Your daughter is a smart, mature person with a huge heart. She will have a happy life. People who erased her
chalk signs are quite typical of many rural communities…..they have not explored our vast world of many cultures.
What one is not exposed is easy to defile. They are fearful and lack empathy, unfortunately. She may not understand
this now but what a wonderful lesson for her.
Steve Klingelhofer says
What a thoughtful story and comment!
It’s hard to be understanding of, yet absolutely opposed to intolerance, let alone racism… but vital to the future of America.
Gren Whitman says
Chad, I hope you catch the culprit because he’s probably first cousin to the knickle-dragger who snatched my “Biden” sign.
Dan Egan says
Add a Hammer and Cycle to BLM. BLM lost it’s true meaniong many months ago and is being exploited. It is a communistic and terriorist organization whose goal its to bring anarchy and chaos to the USA. I support diversiity
and equality for all but not communisism and those exploiting racial turmoil.
Ron JordaN says
No Dan Egan, BLM hasn’t lost its meaning nor its movement. If you wish to believe those that have made it their job to overcome the message by using violence then you are not a student of history concerning race relations and Anti-Racism in this nation and around the world. Colin Kapernick kneeled because of what has become the latest movement of its kind the world has seen since the Civil Rights movement in our nation. Dan Egan, if you support diversity and equality, inclusion do so for what it is, what it can do for your neighbors here in Maryland and on the Eastern Shore. Yet, if you just want to waste words about a child’s involvement in her world and the world she wants to live in, then you should just go to your little corner of hatred and sit down.
Bogden says
Make America spell again!
Deirdre LaMotte says
You want to be against “those exploiting racial turmoil”? Our current WH occupant has enjoyed
causing racial turmoil continuously…..beginning with his ridiculous birther accusation against our first Black President.
And you talk of “communism? Really? Protesting is the antithesis of communism. And again, why is
it Trump is buddies with our COMMUNIST enemy, Putin? Putin who is doing everything his little communist group
of rich thugs can do to re-elect the idiot? Duh….do any of the facts penetrate?
arlene lee says
You’ve raised a lovely, spirited daughter. The kids are alright, yea?
robert earl price says
Chad, much respect for parenting anti-racist daughters, They stand with John Lewis who said, “If you see something wrong do something!”
Gloria says
Thank you for not being afraid to speak what’s on your mind and to stand up for what’s right.
Carol Dobson says
Red Badge of Courage comes to mind. The views already expressed echo mine so I’ll add something else. I’ll talk to your daughter here. To declare solidarity with others who you are separated from is lost on those who erase your words. They have no way of knowing how much sadness you feel. Your words may be viewed as a personal disrespect to them. While they may feel overlooked and mistreated by our society, they wouldn’t likely express it on a driveway. They would suffer differently. This situation lets you learn there are people nearby who may be shocked to see what you’ve done while you’d like them to be glad. It’s not personal about you. You mean no disrespect to your neighbors. Far from it! Please come and paint Chestertown’s streets with us. And, FYI, when I was 8, my dad held my hand as he walked me up to our school entrance on the 2nd day in 1954. The day before 11 black teenagers appeared as new students. No parents but those of the 11 teenagers and the school administrators knew they were coming. On the 2nd day everyone knew they were coming and many white parents kept their kids home and then went to the school entrance to threaten the kids showing up. Every day for several weeks we walked through jeering angry white parents shouting at us. Many teachers quit, threats escalated, and the State Board of Education provided no support. Finally, our school was closed to prevent violence. The lasting effect on me was to become an advocate for what is right and just. To use my white privilege to help those without it to work for fairness and harmony for everyone. Yes, ALL LIVES MATTER. But until all lives are treated as such, we have to work to make that happen. Join us in Kent County and know you’re not alone. Return to NYC when you can. Be proud of your parents and especially your dad who wrote to The Spy…because he made your voice heard so much goodness is happening. You’re getting more publicity for your chalk message than you would have if the letters hadn’t been erased. Strange, eh? This is a long journey to bring about racial justice. I believe it will increase a lot in your lifetime. I just know it. You and your sister’s voices are needed. When enough of us work on this we’ll bring about a world where people who once believed they were right to erase your letters will know you were right. Maybe not now. Sometime. I wish you all the best to develop your talents, seek to understand yourself and have fun.
And don’t stop believing in caring about your friends.
SUSAN NEWTON-RHODES says
…sounds like “good trouble” to me! here here
Gail Stoudt says
We need more teens that are willing to make a statement for fairness. We don’t always get the results we want, but that should never stop us from trying to make a difference. My hat is off to you and your Dad for telling the story. I feel you have inspired many to speak out, talk or chalk it up. You did make a difference, and many will follow.
Julia Betati says
Had her message depicted All lives matter perhaps she would have gotten a better response. Antifa and the Attachment to BLM has shown nothing but hate and violence. This is the reason for all Americans to be concerned. Having friends of all color and accepting them for there differences is great for our family and lives. But this is not the message the movement brings they are killing children with stray billets and burning down city’s. So sadly your daughters message is not going to be received as she intended because of the horrible people who ate using it for violence, as a parent of non racist children we now have to explain the violence. 🙏
Byron says
Speak on it.If you’re not a part of the solution you’re a part of the problem. God bless you and your family.I appreciate you.
First Segregated Class in KENT COUNTY
TOGETHER WE RISE
Joy kim says
I hope your daughter isn’t discouraged by this person who wiped her messages away.There are idiots everywhere. She could also add a sign saying “Private Property” and maybe this particular idiot might desist.
Harry Deal says
It seems that the United States is at a crossroads; with to many people of color dying, poverty still a part of many city’s and town’s, along with a government that seems to be separating further between the parties, yet I still believe that most people are good, want to work, love their family, help others, and most of all care about the future. Somehow I believe we will move forward under a new vision, that should be met with open arms and excitement. Leadership needs and must come from the top, so lets shoot for the stars!