Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and a representative from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission came together at a rally in Allentown recently to share their outrage, express their deep concern and stand in solidarity over the discovery of a noose on a Black female employee’s desk in the Community and Economic Development Office in Allentown City Hall Jan. 10.

“Acts like this have long plagued our communities and serve as a painful reminder of the work still ahead. I am deeply dismayed but unfortunately not surprised,” said PLBC Chair and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery.

The Allentown Police Department is investigating the incident. The PLBC and PHRC commended the swift response by local authorities and reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the investigation.

“Apparently, some folks have been emboldened to acts of racial insensitivity, with the seeming intent of intimidating Black and Brown workers,” said PLBC Secretary and state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “This act is against the very spirit on which Pennsylvania was founded – tolerance – and is a sacrilege to the memory of the many men, women and children who were lynched throughout the United States, all victims of white supremacy. We’re not going back, and we’re not backing down. Hate has no place here.”

For more information on filing a discrimination complaint, those concerned can contact the PHRC at 717-787-4410 or visit the PHRC website.

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