David Sproul and his family were celebrating the graduation of their two daughters when they were targeted by an openly racist letter, dropped anonymously in their mailbox.
Xanah and Xarah graduated high school this spring.
To celebrate, the girls’ photos were placed upon the family’s house in the Timbercreek Plantation subdivision in Yulee, Florida.
You can see news coverage here.
Other families had similar displays on their houses.
But Sproul’s house was the only one to receive an anonymous letter in their mailbox.
my twin cousins graduated from high school this year. both of my girls are going to college on full ride scholarships in the honors program. naturally, their parents are super proud.
a neighbor anonymously left this letter in their mailbox & i am livid. pic.twitter.com/aPmHm053lm
— Britt Knows Beauty ♡ (@mslauryntrill) July 24, 2020
The text of the letter read:
“Resident, Don’t you think enough is enough?”
“It’s time to take those hideous posters of that ugly fat black girl off your house. What a disgrace to the neighborhood.”
“In fact, your entire brood is a disgrace to the neighborhood. Consider moving to a ‘hood’ of your kind.”
“Your neighbors are watching you!”
Toya, the girls’ mother, filed a police report with Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m knocking on every door on my street! First one to stutter when I ask is getting their teeth knocked out.
— ♔ Your Highness (@KINGMe__) July 24, 2020
They need to be sure to register to vote…I did a quick search and this came up for their names and street. If you do not want their names up, edit the picture. #VoteBlueToEndThisNightmare pic.twitter.com/aXSZMRAf4y
— SoulSistaFusion (@SoulSistaFusion) July 24, 2020
Leave them posters up til the wheels fall off the damn world. That's their house and they have a problem with their victories? That's a them problem.
Also, get them to set-up a camera on their property. People aren't so bold when they are held accountable for their actions.
— 🇭🇹And that's on what? Zozo papa'w, Pooh🍯🐻 (@ratamiibo) July 24, 2020
Call the fbi hate crimes division and report it. They are forced to investigate anything they receive. put that paper in an envelope in the mean time.
— brody (@skippy9669) July 24, 2020
Let me just say these are two lovely and awesome young women. National Honor Society? Wow! Ladies, just keep on keeping on and live your best lives. I have no doubt you will achieve much!
As for your anonymous neighbor, what a waste. Shame on you, whoever you are!
— Kathleen Gilbert (@gilbertk) July 28, 2020
Undersheriff Roy Henderson said in a statement to Buzzfeed News:
“We at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office do not tolerate racism and hate crimes in our county.”
“This is out of character for Nassau County and we will continue to investigate this incident.”
“We are proud of the Sproul twins’ accomplishments and hope to get to the bottom of this soon.”
I am sad that their happiness and success was marred by this. I wish the family all the best and hope the girls pursue their dreams in medicine. My daughter became a physician, and I am so proud of all she has accomplished but also what she continues to give back! 💕
— MHarper (@mpoharper) July 27, 2020
The fact someone thought of this is bad enough then they had the audacity to come forth with the their dirty opinions that no one asked for. Please ensure that sticker stays tf up. I can’t wait to see them get more pissed, they gonna blow a fuse while at it
— Blacknerdboy (@Eye_Owiwi) July 25, 2020
Find out who it is and have them charged for opening their mailbox
— Arin | #Burrhive ✨🔥💰🔫 (@colorpup1) July 24, 2020
You young ladies are utterly beautiful. Your twin smiles help light up the world. Go on & do the great things your accomplishments already show you are capable of! Best to you & your family!
— caliga (@caliga75313250) July 27, 2020
Major accomplishment for the both of them. I love their looks and their names are such a knockout! Xanah and Xarah- super cute 😍
Whether or not you can find out who illegally left that letter.. I hope they get what they deserve— friendtendo (@Friendtendo64) July 24, 2020
Xanah and Xarah graduated from Yulee High School as members of the National Honor Society and will be headed to St. Leo University in the fall to begin a pre-med track on a scholarship. According to their father, they seemed relatively unfazed by the letter.
Sproul said:
“They kind of threw it down and then they went about their way.”
“They are aware of what’s going on in the country, but after reading it they could clearly see that the person doesn’t know them.”
“That’s the nature of how they are because they’re just super sweet girls.”
I just saw this story and it broke my heart! I am so sorry these beautiful, smart, young women were the targets of such hatred. I don’t even know what I can say… as a white woman I know I need to do more to combat racism! I will do more!
— JennyfromtheBurg (@At1stWrite) July 27, 2020
Your cousins should be congratulated on their wonderful achievement and your Aunt and Uncle should be very proud! Best of luck to them both in their college studies!🎉🎊🏆🎖❤
— D J Connors (@hockeygal62) July 25, 2020
they better put cameras up on their house and even their mailbox tbh. that’s what i would do. catch them red handed
— bøwlcut(acab)🦄 (@trippie_uzi) July 25, 2020
I would PLASTER MY ENTIRE HOUSE with posters if they dont sign the letter and post up bro thats disgusting i just cant believe ppl still think like this
— Jessie Snider (@spideyverse10) July 25, 2020
And I’d keep those posters up forever and a day. Making Christmas styled posters, fall themed posters, spring themed, all of that!! YALL GONE SEE THESE GIRLS ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
— Nikkie Nik (@nikkiesays_) July 25, 2020
According to the family, they have received support from all over the world for the girls.
Let’s hope that for every one outspoken racist, there are 10,000 supportive and loving individuals out there.
