Audio By Carbonatix
In Long Beach, California, a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. was vandalized with hate symbols over the holiday weekend.
According to USA Today, the “hope and justice” statue was spray-painted with a swastika and SS Bolts. The graffiti has since been cleaned by the city’s parks and recreation department.
The Long Beach Police Department told the newspaper on Monday (July 5) that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, however, they currently don’t have any suspects.
I'm shocked and disheartened by the recent hate graffiti on the statue at MLK Park. It's troubling that this act happened in a core area of our LB Black community.
— Al Austin II (@theAlAustin) July 4, 2021
The MLK statue was introduced in 1968 after the civil rights leader was assassinated and changed the name of the park from 19th Street Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Al Austin II, a member of Long Beach City Council, tweeted that he was "shocked and disheartened" by the vandalism.
Over the holiday weekend our MLK statue at King Park was vandalized with horrific graffiti. The LBPD are investigating this as a hate crime and we are working to catch whoever committed this awful act.
— Office of Mayor Robert Garcia (@LongBeachMayor) July 5, 2021
“It's troubling that this act happened in a core area of our LB Black community,” Austin wrote.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia tweeted Monday, “We are working to catch whoever committed this awful act. Our MLK statue is a symbol of hope and justice for the community. This hate and desecration has no place in our city.”
Latest Stories
-
BOSTenergies donates GH₵1m to Ghana Medical Trust Fund for critical healthcare support
3 minutes -
Ghana cannot achieve digital transformation without cybersecurity — Mohammed Adams Sukparu
6 minutes -
University of Gold Coast launches PhD in Business Administration to drive African research and leadership
20 minutes -
Police divert traffic after crash blocks Accra-Kumasi Highway at Birimso Bridge
23 minutes -
GhIE, Ghana Navy partner to strengthen engineering professionalism
26 minutes -
ICU urges President Mahama to revitalise VALCO, PBC and distressed state-owned enterprises
27 minutes -
Pile-up crash blocks Accra-Kumasi Highway at Birimso Bridge
29 minutes -
Chairman of Church of Pentecost: Judges must uphold integrity and conscience in justice delivery
40 minutes -
Fire at Wa Islamic SHS displaces 138 students, damages 6 dormitories
41 minutes -
Omaya Care wins inaugural Ghana AI Innovation Challenge with maternal health solution
44 minutes -
Young gospel musicians use my songs without permission – Obaapa Christy
47 minutes -
The Ghanaian Researcher challenging how social media platforms treat neurodivergent users
54 minutes -
NPA to revise diesel price floor following government’s GH¢2 per litre subsidy
1 hour -
Reform-LBG engages stakeholders to support peacebuilding and livelihoods project in Lewuniyiri
1 hour -
QNET reaffirms zero tolerance for human trafficking and fraud following reports from Côte d’Ivoire
1 hour