Doris Allison says hate will not divide Statesville after doll was hung near one of her campaign signs

Ben Gibson

Councilwoman Doris Allison said hate will not divide Statesville after a doll was found hanging by a rope on a street sign in south Statesville.

It was also near Allison's campaign sign and in a predominantly Black neighborhood, sparking concerns that it was placed there to provoke racial fears.

"I hope at the end of the conversations with your family and yourself, you will say hate cannot win," Allison said at a press conference at Alex Cooper Park in Statesville on Monday.

The incident is still under investigation, but Allison said she wanted to assure people that, regardless of intent, she wants to see people come together and say no to hate in any form. She said she awaits the results of the investigation but also wants to let the public know that their concerns are bein