Robinson & Miñoso Murals Defaced: Miami Police Investigate
Miami police are investigating a hate crime after vandals defaced murals of baseball icons Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso with racist graffiti,including swastikas and racial slurs,in Overtown. The defacement at Dorsey Park, a historic Negro League ballpark, has ignited outrage among community leaders and prompted swift action to restore the artwork. The murals, part of the MLK mural project since 2012, celebrate the pioneering roles of Robinson and Miñoso in integrating baseball. Robinson broke the color barrier, while Miñoso stood as the first Black Latino player. News Directory 3 is following the story as the Miami Police Department’s special investigations unit handles the case, and the community vows to rebuild. Discover what’s next as the inquiry unfolds and the community unites.
Jackie Robinson, Minnie Miñoso Murals Defaced in Miami; Hate Crime Investigation Launched
Murals honoring baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood were defaced with racist graffiti, prompting a hate crime investigation. The vandalism at Dorsey Park, a historic negro League ballpark, included Nazi-style swastikas and racial slurs.
A young boy discovered the defaced murals on Monday. The murals, part of the MLK mural Project as 2012, have been covered as crews work to remove the graffiti and restore the artwork. The Miami Police Department’s special investigations unit is handling the case.
The racist vandalism has drawn condemnation from community leaders and elected officials alike. The murals are located in Overtown, a historically black neighborhood once known as the “Harlem of the South” during segregation.
The mural of Jackie Robinson and Minnie miñoso celebrates their pioneering roles in integrating baseball. Robinson broke the Major League color barrier in 1947 with the brooklyn Dodgers, while Miñoso was the first Black Latino player, joining Cleveland in 1949. Both are Hall of Famers.
“This was an act of hate, but it will not define us,” said Kyle Holbrook, the artist who painted the mural. “This mural was born from a community’s pride,history,and power. We will restore it — stronger, bolder, and with even more purpose.Black history is American history.And no spray paint can erase that truth.”
“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,” said Terrance Cribbs-Lorant, executive director of the City of Miami Black Police Precinct. “The reason why this keeps being perpetuated is because we keep covering it up.”
What’s next
The community is rallying to restore the murals honoring Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso, aiming to create an even stronger symbol of unity and resilience in the face of hate. The investigation into the racist vandalism continues.