Billboard Campaign Promotes Unity in Springfield Amid Anti-Immigrant Sentiment.
In response to growing anti-immigrant rhetoric, three organizations have joined forces to launch a billboard campaign in Springfield. The initiative encourages residents to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This campaign is a collaboration between Faith in Public Life, the League of Women Voters of Ohio, and the Ohio Council of Churches. It was initiated to address recent divisive statements and misunderstandings about Haitian communities across the country.
Springfield gained national attention after a false claim spread online, alleging that Haitian immigrants—numbering between 12,000 and 15,000 in the area—were involved in eating pets. Local law enforcement and city officials have confirmed that there is no evidence to support these allegations.
Former President Donald Trump, along with other prominent Republican figures like Sen. JD Vance, has perpetuated these claims. Following the viral spread of this misinformation, the Springfield City School District faced numerous threats. In response, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine directed the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) to conduct daily security sweeps of all 17 school buildings and to maintain a presence during school hours.
The OSHP has also deployed bomb detection dogs throughout the city and has allowed Springfield police to utilize several of its patrol towers. Members of Ohio’s Homeland Security office are also assisting in the area.
A press release stated that “inflammatory remarks” from elected officials during and after the September presidential debate have raised safety concerns not only in Springfield but across the state.
Amy Willmann, executive director of the Nehemiah Foundation, emphasized the need for unity in the community. “We must come together in love, not hate,” she said.
Urban Light Ministries Pastor Eli Williams echoed this sentiment, stating, “Hate has no place in Springfield. As faith leaders, we are called to love and support our neighbors. The Haitian community is an integral part of Springfield, and we stand united with them.”
The billboards aim to promote community solidarity and inspire kindness toward all residents, regardless of their background. Additionally, Faith in Public Life plans to run online advertisements in Springfield, Middletown, and Toledo.
The three billboards are located at key intersections: off Spring Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue, and along Troy Road near U.S. 68.
Another billboard, funded by the Haitian Bridge Alliance, also stands along Troy Road, promoting the message against “anti-immigrant hate.”
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