Wiggins Pastor Speaks Out

The story of an alleged hate crime at Stone High School is quickly spreading.
The president of the Mississippi NAACP spoke out against the school system in a press conference yesterday where he addressed claims that a black student had a noose placed around his neck by his classmates.
Community members were vocal at the press conference saying that similar events have been swept under the rug for far too long in Stone County.
Today, News 25 spoke with a local pastor in Wiggins who says the incident does not define the community. Brother Robby Rikard with First Baptist Church of Wiggins said, “What is so heartbreaking about these allegations and what is going on is that this is not who we are. I really believe, really believe in the good people of Stone County. I believe that when everything is told, when the truth comes out, I believe that we will be able to come together and reconcile.”
The pastor says he appreciates the NAACP bringing attention to the incident, but hopes the community will use this as a healing opportunity rather than a reason to divide.