The Tonawadas are coming together to spread a message: hate is not welcome in their communities.

During Tuesday night’s common council meeting in the city of Tonawanda, the council unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting hate and bigotry in their community. After the council voted in favor of the resolution, the crowd erupted in applause.

“It’s nice to see our residents come out in support of this,” said Mayor Rick Davis.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several people praised the council’s efforts, saying white supremacy is something not to take lightly and they don’t want to be the next Charlottesville or El Paso.

“The bottom line is we’re condemning hate. It’s not welcome here,” said Council President Jenna Koch.

This legislation was brought about after KKK recruitment flyers were found throughout the Tonawandas earlier in the summer. Now these communities are fighting back.

North Tonawanda also had their city’s common council meeting Tuesday night and they too denounced intolerance.

“We see what’s happening at the border, the immigration crisis, with the refugee crisis, globally all of this rooted in some kind of fear and hatred of the other and this is really, really an important step to have this stop as soon as it can be spread as soon as it is noticed,” said Erin Robinson, a North Tonawanda resident.

“I’m thrilled to see the municipalities in the North Towns both in Erie and Niagara County standing strong against white supremacy and making a statement that white supremacist groups are not tolerated in our neighborhoods,” said Rebecca Newberry, a Niagara County resident.