In Lincoln Heights, Ohio, Jay has been diligently monitoring neighborhood bus stops every morning for the past month to ensure the safety of children as they head to school. Despite the early hours, he is committed to this task as a part of the Lincoln Heights Safety and Watch program. Jay, a member of this initiative, wears a face covering and tactical gear for anonymity and protection from potential harassment by hate groups.
The program was established in response to a disturbing incident on Feb. 7, when a neo-Nazi group staged a demonstration near the community. Following this event, which raised concerns about the lack of police intervention, residents felt the need to take matters into their own hands for their safety. The safety and watch program, an extension of the existing Heights Movement empowerment organization, involves armed volunteers conducting patrols in the area.
Residents like Daronce Daniels have expressed dissatisfaction with the initial police response and formed the safety and watch program to ensure a sense of security within the community. While Ohio law permits open carry for those legally allowed to possess firearms, the armed patrols aim to provide reassurance to residents like Eric Ruffin, who have concerns about law enforcement’s ability to protect them.
Despite the unfortunate necessity of such measures, community members are standing together to safeguard their neighborhood and support each other. Through the safety and watch program, they are taking proactive steps to create a safer environment for everyone in Lincoln Heights.
In 2025 America, Ruffin expressed concern about the rise of hate groups openly displaying offensive symbols and weapons in his community. He emphasized the importance of not succumbing to the same ideologies that they oppose, highlighting the need to avoid perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence and discrimination. The village of Lincoln Heights, established in the early 20th century as a refuge for Black families from the South, has faced challenges due to a lack of adequate local services and the disbandment of its police department in 2014. In response, concerned residents have taken it upon themselves to patrol and safeguard their neighborhood, continuing a tradition started by their ancestors. Visible support for the Lincoln Heights Safety and Watch Program is evident throughout the town, with community members recognizing the importance of standing together against hate and violence. Despite concerns about potential confrontations with hate groups, local law enforcement faces limitations in addressing the situation effectively without appropriate legislation in place to address the use of masks for intimidation in conjunction with open carry laws. Sheriff McGuffey acknowledges the unease among Lincoln Heights residents and the need for caution in handling potential threats, emphasizing the need for responsible gun ownership and legislative action to address the root causes of such tensions.
