Hate Attempts to Rewrite Our Narrative
Recently, our village was once again forced into the headlines for the wrong reasons. On February 23, 2025, a man from Northern Kentucky was driving through Lincoln Heights and Lockland, tossing racist flyers from his vehicle. The man, William Bader of Maysville, KY pleaded no contest to one count of complicity to littering and was found guilty on the second. He was ordered to pay $100 for each charge, plus court costs.
This wasn’t just litter. It was an attempt to disrupt, divide, and disrespect a predominantly Black community, a community with deep-rooted history, pride, and strength.
For many of us who live here or have roots here, this wasn’t just upsetting. It was a reminder of how important it is that we continue to control our own narrative.
The Power of Narrative
When I founded the Lincoln Heights Ohio Historical Society, it was because I saw how our history was either misrepresented, or worse, left out altogether. I wanted to create a space where we could celebrate our legacy, share our stories, and present the truth about our village, not just the headlines that others choose to write.
This recent incident only confirms how urgent that work still is.
This Is Not Who We Are
Lincoln Heights is more than what makes the news. We are a village of pioneers, educators, artists, business owners, pastors, athletes, musicians, and proud families. We are a community built on unity, love, faith, and resilience. We have always found a way to rise above hate, and this moment will be no different.
The actions of one person, no matter how hateful, cannot erase the impact generations have made here, or the path we are paving for those who come next.
Why We Preserve, Why We Share
We document and preserve our history not only to honor our ancestors but to protect our future. When our children look up Lincoln Heights, Ohio I want them to find more than the negative stories. I want them to find the names, faces, and voices of the people who built this village. I want them to see the pride that lives here and know that they are part of something greater.
To William Bader and the people who feel like him, hate is not allowed here. The legacy of Lincoln Heights, Ohio is not to be tossed aside, erased, or silenced. We are rooted. We are rising. And we are preserving our truth with intention, clarity, and strength, for ourselves and for every generation that follows.
Source:
David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, published March 20, 2025
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