06/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 12:49
American Jewish Committee (AJC) Miami and Broward Director Brian Siegal issued the following statement after murals honoring baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Minoso in the Overtown neighborhood were defaced with Nazi swastikas and racial slurs.
"To see Nazi swastikas and a racial slur sprayed over these images of courage is both painful and unacceptable. These murals-celebrating two trailblazers who broke racial and ethnic barriers-stand as powerful reminders of our shared history and the progress we must continue to make. We stand firmly against every expression of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. This act is not just vandalism, it is an assault on the very values of unity, dignity, and mutual respect that underpin our community and nation.
"We offer our full support to the local leaders and organizations working to restore the murals and welcome the City of Miami Police Department's investigation of this incident as a hate crime. Our hearts go out especially to the Overtown community, and to young people-especially children-who should never be exposed to such hateful symbols.
"We join with U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and other civic leaders in declaring: we will not be intimidated. Instead, we respond with courage, solidarity, and hope. We will work together to rebuild-not just walls of art-but the bonds of understanding and respect that unite us."