A mural celebrating baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami has been defaced with racist and Nazi symbols, prompting an investigation and renewed calls for racial unity and remembrance.
Police are launching an investigation after a mural depicting baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso was vandalised with racist graffiti and Nazi symbols in Miami’s Overtown neighbourhood. The defacement, discovered on Sunday by a 7-year-old boy, has sparked outrage among community leaders and lawmakers alike, highlighting ongoing concerns about racism and hate in the area.
The murals, which have adorned a perimeter fence at Dorsey Park since 2011, were created by artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson in collaboration with various community groups. They serve as a tribute to Robinson, who broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, and Miñoso, recognised as the league’s first Afro-Latino player. Both men are celebrated figures whose contributions reached far beyond the baseball diamond. For many in the community, their images represent resilience and a rich cultural legacy.
Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, an executive director at the Miami Black Police Precinct, expressed the collective pain felt in response to the vandalism. “I know you may not be able to show it on television, but we need the community to uncover the hurt and the hatred that is existing,” he stated. His comments reflect a growing concern within the community that acts of hate are often ignored until they manifest in such tangible ways. Community leaders are urging direct confrontation of hate, rather than allowing it to fester unchecked.
U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick condemned the act, labelling it a hate crime designed to instil fear and division. In her statement, she affirmed the community’s commitment to respond with unity and resilience, reinforcing the sentiment that history must not be forgotten. These views resonate with ongoing discussions surrounding the need for comprehensive strategies to combat racism in various societal aspects, highlighting stark ideological divides.
Dr. Saliha Nelson, CEO of Urgent, Inc., voiced a similar determination, insisting, “This was more than a defaced mural — it was an attempt to silence our story.” Her emphasis on the need to restore the mural underscores the broader implications of such vandalism, which not only disrespects historical figures but also aims to diminish community pride and heritage.
This incident is part of a distressing trend wherein symbols of African American excellence have faced defacement or destruction across the country. Recent years have seen murals, plaques, and statues commemorating iconic figures like Jackie Robinson vandalised in various locations, including Georgia and Kansas. This pattern reveals a deeper societal struggle reflecting the harsh reality of ongoing racial tensions and the importance of historical commemoration.
As authorities continue to investigate, no arrests have been made, and community leaders are rallying to restore the mural as a beacon of hope and resilience. Plans are in the works to ensure that the artwork is reclaimed and celebrated, reaffirming its significance not only as an artistic endeavour but as a vital part of the community’s narrative.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/jackie-robinson-police-miami-nazi-democratic-b2764756.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://apnews.com/article/2cec092847cd17892bb4f8caf11d2b67 – A mural in Miami’s Overtown neighbourhood, honouring baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso, was defaced with racist graffiti and Nazi symbols. Discovered by a 7-year-old boy, the vandalism shocked the community. Robinson was the first Black player in Major League Baseball, debuting in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, while Miñoso was the first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals, displayed at Dorsey Park since 2011, were created by artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson in collaboration with local organisations. Community leaders condemned the act, emphasising the need to confront hate rather than conceal it. U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick labelled the act a hate crime, calling for unity in response. Dr. Saliha Nelson of Urgent, Inc. vowed to restore the mural, reaffirming its importance as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Authorities have not yet made any arrests.
- https://wsvn.com/entertainment/inspirational-mural-vandalized-in-overtown-ahead-of-miami-art-week/ – An inspirational mural in Miami’s Overtown neighbourhood, featuring prominent Black figures like Michelle Obama, George Floyd, and Serena Williams, was vandalised ahead of Miami Art Week. The mural, painted in 2021 by artist Kyle Holbrook and local children, was found defaced with derogatory language and political messages. This incident marks the second time the mural has been targeted; in July 2021, the words “death is forever” were spray-painted over George Floyd’s image. The community responded by working to restore the mural, emphasising the importance of confronting hate and preserving cultural symbols.
- https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/mural-of-black-icons-defaced-in-overtown/article_3e916e52-7060-11ed-8fbe-ab3c60623e43.html – A mural in Miami’s Overtown neighbourhood, depicting influential Black figures such as Michelle Obama, George Floyd, and Serena Williams, was defaced ahead of Miami Art Week. The artwork, created in 2021 by artist Kyle Holbrook and local children, was found vandalised with derogatory language and political messages. This is the second instance of vandalism; in July 2021, the words “Death is 4ever” were spray-painted over George Floyd’s image. The community responded by working to restore the mural, highlighting the importance of confronting hate and preserving cultural symbols.
- https://people.com/sports/mlb-helps-replace-vandalized-jackie-robinson-memorial-with-40000-donation/ – After vandals shot at a memorial marker dedicated to Jackie Robinson in Cairo, Georgia, Major League Baseball (MLB) stepped in with a $40,000 donation to replace the marker. The original marker, located near Robinson’s birthplace, was damaged in early 2021. MLB’s contribution aimed to ensure the marker’s enduring presence, symbolising the league’s commitment to preserving Robinson’s legacy and combating hate. The new marker was unveiled in January 2022, with plans for its upkeep to ensure it stands as a lasting tribute.
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/14/opinions/jackie-robinson-statue-destroyed-baseball-arrest-dent/index.html – The destruction of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita, Kansas, has sparked discussions about America’s ongoing struggles with racism. The statue, which was a focal point for the local League 42 baseball league, was found vandalised and burned. This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Robinson memorials, including previous vandalism in Brooklyn and Cairo, Georgia. The destruction has led to increased awareness and support for Robinson’s legacy, with nearly $200,000 in donations and plans for a new statue.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jackie-robinson-statue-vandalized-at-coney-island-ballpark/ – A statue of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese at Coney Island’s MCU Park was defaced with racist graffiti, including swastikas and derogatory language. The statue, depicting a famous 1947 pose, was discovered vandalised by Brooklyn Cyclones officials. Volunteers and community members worked to clean the statue, highlighting the community’s commitment to confronting hate and preserving historical symbols. The incident underscores ongoing challenges with racism and the importance of community resilience.
