VIDEO: Starkville Community Comes Together

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI News) – It has been almost a week since vandals targeted the Victory Center Church sign in Starkville by etching the letters “KKK” on it.

Since then, groups and individuals have contacted the pastor, offering to help restore the sign and showing support to the congregation.

This morning, supporters brought their support to the church grounds.

“We’re not going backwards. We’re continuing to move forward,” said community member Deborah Eakin.

When word spread throughout the community and on social media about Victory Center Church’s sign being defaced with the letters “KKK,” Bishop Michael Boyd began getting phone calls.

Many of those who called showed up Sunday morning to show support to the church and members know their neighbors care.

“Oh! I am elated. I’m so surprised at the outpouring of concern, the care that has been exemplified today. It really touched my heart to see how many people came out today in support of this event,” said Boyd.

People brought signs, they say, not to protest, but *profess* their support for this church.

“Really, the message was not to the perpetrators of this hate act. It was a message to the members of the church that they aren’t standing alone in this, that they have a community behind them and that we’re not going to tolerate this,” said Eakin

Some in the group have also contributed to a GoFundme account to help pay for a new sign.

For members of the church, it has shown that they have a loving community behind them.

“From my own perspective, it sends a message of unity, of concern, of togetherness, and the people showed me that it’s not about color but it’s about people who are respectful to one another,” said Boyd.

The GoFundme for Victory Center Church has now reached over five hundred dollars, which is more than enough to give the church a brand new sign.