Photo: Stephen Simpson Inc / Tetra images / Getty Images
Miami, FL - A mural commemorating African American baseball icons in Miami's Overtown neighborhood was recently defaced with racist and antisemitic graffiti, prompting community leaders and residents to rally for its restoration.
The artwork at Dorsey Park, featuring Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso, was vandalized with swastikas and racial slurs.
The defacement was discovered by a seven-year-old boy on Sunday, who alerted his mother to the offensive imagery.
Community members expressed outrage over the incident.
Nicole Crooks of Catalyst Miami emphasized the need to confront such acts openly, stating, "We need the community to uncover the hurt and the hatred that is existing."
Artist Kyle Holbrook, who helped create the mural over a decade ago, expressed his dismay, noting that the artwork was meant to instill pride and honor the legacy of the Negro League teams that once played at Dorsey Park.
He is now planning to restore and enhance the mural, turning this act of hate into an opportunity for renewed unity and strength.
Miami Police are actively investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Authorities have increased patrols in the area and are urging anyone with information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
In the wake of the vandalism, community members have come together to plan the mural's restoration.
Local artists are set to begin touch-ups, aiming to complete the work before Juneteenth celebrations.
Long-term plans include a comprehensive restoration, with secured funding and artist involvement already in place.