An Arizona City mother is speaking out after a troubling incident at a local park left her young son shaken and hurt.
Tiffany Hawkins shared her experience on Facebook, alleging that a group of children repeatedly directed a racist slur at her son while they were playing.
The post drew widespread attention, sparking a community-wide conversation about racism, parenting, and accountability.
As per Hawkins, the incident occurred during what should have been an ordinary evening at the park.
She wrote that three young girls, who were with their mother and siblings, ran around calling her son a “black creature.”
Hawkins said the words deeply affected her child, emphasizing that “no child should hear this kind of talk.”
She stated that she attempted to address the situation calmly. She explained that had the other parent not driven away, she would have “kindly told you the situation.”
Describing herself as the kind of parent who will step in to correct harmful behavior, Hawkins wrote that she believes children learn from what they hear at home and hoped this was not a reflection of how the parents speak.
In the midst of the incident, Hawkins also highlighted a moment of compassion. She shared that a young boy named Gabriel intervened and stood up for her son.
Hawkins publicly thanked Gabriel and his mother, saying the response showed that he was being taught “right” and modeling empathy and courage in a difficult moment.
Her post concluded with a message directed especially toward other Black parents, stating that if others will not teach their children to treat people with respect, she will speak up “with love and grace” when harm is being done.
She wrote,
I never thought I would have to say this. To the mom that had 3 little girls and 1 little boy at the park tonight, Your girls were running around calling my son a black creature. I don’t not appreciate that kind of talk and if you wouldn’t have sped off I would have kindly told you the situation. For ANYONE I am the type of mother that will mother anyone’s child. What your girls did hurt my son severely and Thankfully a little boy named Gabriel came in defense of my son. I appreciate him and his mother so much! She is teaching her son right! Please let this be an reminder to any other Black Parent! If they will not teach their children right. I will. (By speaking to them with love and grace) Children learn from their parents, I hope this is not how their parents talk!!!
Tiffany Hawkins
The post grabbed dozens of comments from Arizona City residents and others, many expressing sympathy and concern.
Judy Cleavenger commented that Arizona City has been giving off “bad vibes” lately, adding,
Arizona city is getting some bad vibes from everything over there. The post office. Grocery store. Traffic. You name it. Sounds like nobody gets a long there. So much for the small commuity , tight family feel. I don’t care what your nationality is grow up. Teach your kids to treat others like they would like to be treated.
Judy Cleavenger
Another commenter, Christopher Blackwell, wrote,
Too much hate in this world
Christopher Blackwell
Several parents shared personal stories that echoed Hawkins’ experience.
Rankin Rachel said her 11-year-old biracial granddaughter had been called a monkey at school, writing that her “heart broke” and urging parents to teach love, kindness, and respect.
Tarenah Edwards also shared that her own children faced racist slurs while attending school in Arizona City, saying the experience ultimately led her to move them to a different school environment. She wrote,
I’ve had some hard times with my kids dealing with racism in Arizona City. It’s sad but it’s the parents not teaching them right. I did end up switching my kids to after the one Christian academy and that has been the best thing for them. I’m only mentioning that because my kids had a very hard time at aces. Getting called all kinds of racist slurs it was awful.
Tarenah Edwards
Many commenters praised Hawkns for speaking publicly. Evelyn Wilson wrote that posting about the incident was the right thing to do, adding that the other parents’ lack of response showed “lack of concern.”
Debbie Bylsma Egnew called Hawkins an “old school mama” and thanked her for having the heart to stand up for her child and others.
You are an old school mama! Thank you for having that kind of heart. There is no need for that kind of cruelty from anyone. So sorry that happened to your son.
Debbie Bylsma Egnew
Others focused on the broader responsibility of adults. Dianne Rupert emphasized that children repeat what they learn at home, while Deloris Price commented that “all children are born to be loved equally.”
Absolutely I agree!! It all comes from the parents teaching, home life ect…. They are what they learn, what they are taught and what they hear regardless that is it not proper, true or facts! 🙂
Diane Rupert
Several residents lamented that racism remains present “in this day and age,” calling the behavior unacceptable and harmful.
Not all reactions were supportive. A few commenters questioned the situation or challenged Hawkins’ account, while others made comments expressing anger that veered toward threats of violence.
Those remarks were met with pushback from community members who stressed that responding to hate with more harm only perpetuates the cycle.
Overall, the discussion revealed frustration and sadness, but also a desire for change.
However, Hawkins has not indicated whether she plans to pursue further action, but her message has already resonated widely.
