To the Editor,

Jennie Johnson claims that racism is running rampant in the City of Warwick. She makes that sweeping indictment based on some offensive graffiti written anonymously on a school door. (“We can make Warwick a community where all races feel welcome”, Jan. 13)

Here’s a news flash for Jennie Johnson: Warwick is already a place where all races feel welcome. Just ask NFL star Kwity Paye.

In 1999, Paye’s mom immigrated from Liberia with her two young sons to seek the American Dream. That dream was launched for Kwity Paye right here in Warwick at Bishop Hendricken High School.

While he was a student at Hendricken, I doubt Kwity Paye would have given a moment’s thought to any stupid graffiti written by some jerk on a school door. He was too busy taking advantage of all the opportunities being afforded him. He was focused on becoming successful; not on being a victim.

Kwity Paye’s inspirational story is a real life refutation of every false claim made by Jennie Johnson about the people of Warwick. We are not racists. We are not white supremacists. And, contrary to her nasty insinuations, we are not “complicit” in anything.

Jennie Johnson owes Warwick residents an apology for issuing such a reckless, divisive, and unwarranted slander.

A. H. Liddle

Warwick