Famous Springfielder John Legend denounced it on Instagram. The mayor said there was no evidence to support the inflammatory accusations against the local Haitian immigrant population. And the woman who may have started it all with a now debunked rumor on Facebook, has said she had no idea it would spiral into the national consciousness, that she regrets posting it, and that she has since taken the post down altogether.
While the harms and disruptions cannot be undone, many Springfielders are confronting the challenges presented by the politically motivated mendacity (Candidate JD Vance told CNN he "created" the story), with compassion, grit, and fortitude.
A couple of them are prominent real estate professionals. Each are also members and supporters of Springfield's extended LGBT community.
Amanda Mullins is a local real estate agent who loves being part of the Springfield community. She and her wife recently opened Healing Homes and Hearts LLC, in downtown Springfield.
Their business is all about healing and helping others cultivate “authenticity, joy, and love,” in their lives. It follows Mullins would have something positive to say about the tumult stirred by politicians fomenting xenophobia with remarks against legal Haitian immigrants.
"As a business owner in Springfield, I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible strength and unity that defines this community,” says Mullins.
She is keenly aware of the negative impacts on the community that the lies spoken against Springfield's Haitian population are having. Mullins is also confident the virtues of compassion, resiliency, and solidarity, will light the way forward.
As she explains, "While recent events have brought us into the international spotlight, what stands out most to me is how our city and its people have responded with unwavering support, kindness, and resilience. Springfield is a place that values compassion and standing together in the face of adversity. I believe deeply that love and understanding are the most powerful forces we can offer.”
Beyond espousing a civically minded ethos, on a personal level, Mullins holds a genuine appreciation of the local Haitian population's presence in her everyday life.
As she offers, “I am especially grateful for the Haitian community, which has brought so much joy, love, and richness to my life. For the love of Springfield and the Haitian community, we shall continue to rise stronger and more united than ever."
Another Springfield Real Estate professional, Erika Lockwood, President of Equality Springfield, a pro-LGBT advocacy organization made the following statement available to HubSpringfield.com:
"Equality Springfield unequivocally denounces the dangerous and baseless claims that our Haitian population has led to 'skyrocketing' cases of HIV in Springfield. We are steadfast in our commitment to end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and call on all media outlets to promote facts and debunk falsehoods."
Moreover, professionally, Lockwood has established a reputation for forging paths that reduce the constraints on property deals for minorities living in Springfield.
Her work to promote a more just and equitable Springfield is evident in the additional comments she provided to HubSpringfield.com.:
"Springfield is better than this. The reason I'm on the board of Equality Springfield is the same reason I practice Real Estate in Springfield, it is full of amazing diverse people that when done in love, accomplish great things. It is growing and changing and that can bring greatness. Hate, lies, and violence have no place here and should not be tolerated by any of us."
Editor's note: HubSpringfield.com is part of Issue Media Group, an organization focused on Solutions Journalism. If you know of an individual or organization confronting challenges to civility in Springfield with bold solutions or perspectives please let us know via email @
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