MAYVILLE, NY (WNY News Now) – Legislators passed a motion promoting equality in Chautauqua County, two weeks after the lawmaking body was called out over a “black face” incident last Halloween.
Brought motion was introduced by Legislators David Wilfong (R-Jamestown), Tom Nelson (D-Jamestown), Susan Parker (D-Fredonia), Lisa Vanstrom (R-Ellicott), Billy Torres (D-Jamestown), Tom Harmon (R-Silver Creek), Elisabeth Rankin (R-Jamestown) and Bob Bankoski (D-Dunkirk).
All of this follows community backlash after pictures surfaced of two individuals dressed in “black face” at a 2022 Halloween party at the Carrol Rod and Gun Club and Frewsburg American Legion.
County residents rallied together seeking justice feeling that, months after the initial incident, they still are not being heard.
The motion proclaims that Chautauqua County is a welcoming community, open to all individuals. The motion also denounced all forms of racism.
For some legislators, more must be done.
“I think it’s not only very important, but it’s our duty for this County Legislature to publicly denounce racist behaviors and state this will not be tolerated,” explained Legislator Tom Nelson. “The motion is a good start, however, it’s not as though we just check the box and say, Okay, we’ve done that and we can move on. This is a process, not an event. It will take time.”
The motion passed the legislature unanimously.
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