In a disturbing incident that has ignited national outrage and debate, a white woman in Rochester, Minnesota, was caught on video using a racial slur against a 5-year-old Black child with autism at a public playground. The woman, identified as Shiloh Hendrix, has since raised over $600,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, prompting widespread condemnation and discussions about systemic racism and the monetization of hate.
The Incident
On April 28, 2025, at Roy Sutherland Playground in Rochester, Minnesota, a video captured by bystander Sharmake Omar showed Hendrix confronting a young Black child, accusing him of stealing from her son's diaper bag. When Omar questioned Hendrix about her behavior, she admitted to calling the child the N-word, stating, "If that's what he's going to act like," and proceeded to direct the slur at Omar as well.
Omar, who is of Somali descent like the child's family, reported that the boy was visibly distressed by the encounter. The child's parents, who were supervising their other children nearby, have expressed support for legal action against Hendrix.
The Fundraiser
In the aftermath of the video's virality, Hendrix launched a fundraising campaign on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, titled "Help Me Protect My Family." In her campaign, she claimed that her personal information had been leaked online, leading to threats against her family, and stated that she needed funds to relocate for their safety. The fundraiser has since amassed over $600,000, with a goal of $1 million .
The campaign attracted numerous donations accompanied by racist and far-right messages, prompting GiveSendGo to disable the comments section. The platform stated that while it does not endorse the views of campaign organizers or donors, it does not control the motivations of donors.
Community Response
The incident and subsequent fundraiser have sparked significant backlash from civil rights organizations and community members. The Rochester branch of the NAACP launched its own GoFundMe campaign to support the child and his family, raising over $340,000 before being closed at the family's request. The funds are intended for legal support and broader anti-racism efforts in Rochester.
Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), condemned the support Hendrix received, stating, "It is truly sad that this alleged racist harasser is finding support nationwide for her reported use of the N-word against an innocent child".
Legal Proceedings
The Rochester Police Department has completed its investigation into the incident and submitted findings to the city's attorney's office for review and potential charges. Minnesota law defines certain types of assault as actions taken with "intent to cause fear," which could be applicable in this case.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights a troubling trend where individuals caught engaging in racist behavior are able to garner financial support by positioning themselves as victims of "cancel culture." The substantial funds raised by Hendrix have raised concerns about the monetization of hate and the platforms that facilitate such fundraising efforts.
Civil rights advocates argue that this case exemplifies how systemic racism persists in society, allowing individuals to profit from discriminatory actions while the victims are left to deal with the trauma and consequences.
Conclusion
The Rochester incident serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains in combating racism and ensuring accountability. As the community grapples with the aftermath, organizations and individuals continue to advocate for justice and systemic change to prevent such incidents from recurring.
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