Authorities are investigating a recent act of vandalism targeted at murals depicting baseball icons Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso. These artworks, located on the fence at Dorsey Park in Miami, are part of a tribute to several legendary baseball players.
Historically, the area has significance as it once hosted Negro League games. The damage was first noticed by a young boy, only seven years old, which led to a community member holding a press conference to address the issue. The graffiti left on the murals was reported to include Nazi symbols, according to a spokesperson who spoke at the event.
After the vandalism, plywood was placed over the murals. Terrance Cribbs Lorrant, the executive director of the Miami Black Police School, stated, “You may not be able to show it on TV, but we need the community to reveal the wounds and hatred that exist.” He emphasized that the continued existence of these issues stems from a habit of hiding them.
In response to the incident, Democratic Senator Sheila Shelffils McCormick described what happened as an act of hate. She expressed the importance of addressing these challenges, stating that hate crimes aim to instill fear and division. However, she affirmed that they will respond with unity and a strong commitment to truth and justice.
Robinson made history in 1947 as the first black player in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Miñoso is recognized as the first Afro-Latino player in MLB and was the first black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals honoring these players have been displayed in the park since 2011.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection to the vandalism, and further details have been requested from the Miami Police Department.
