Introduction to the Incident
The Miami Marlins are joining efforts to restore the defaced mural of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, which was marked with racist graffiti last week.
City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King announced Wednesday that she along with the Marlins, Urgent, Inc., Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency and other community activists will lead the restoration at Dorsey Park, where community leaders said a 7-year-old boy first discovered the vandalism last Sunday and asked his mother what the words and the Nazi symbols meant.
Reaction from Community Leaders
“This vile assault was an attack on our values, history, and community,” King said in a statement. “We are actively working with law enforcement and the public to identify the individual(s) responsible for this intolerable act. However, even in the darkest hours, light finds its way to shine. This is a reminder and testament to the strength of our community, coming together to restore peace, beauty, and pride to this neighborhood.” Police were investigating the incident but have not made any arrests. City workers have since partially covered the murals of Robinson and Miñoso, an Afro-Cuban player, with wooden boards.
The Significance of the Murals
The murals are along a fence at Dorsey Park, where Negro League teams once played baseball. The Marlins’ home ballpark loanDepot park is just a few miles from the park. “In light of the deeply troubling acts of vandalism at Dorsey Park, the Miami Marlins today proudly stand in solidarity with the City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, and our local leaders in unequivocally condemning this hateful and racist act,” said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman. “Dorsey Park is not only a landmark of historical and cultural significance in South Florida — it is a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and the enduring contributions of trailblazers to the game of baseball."
The Legacy of Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso
Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 to become the first Black player. Miñoso became the league’s first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals have been displayed in the park since 2011 and are a collaboration between artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson and various community groups.
Conclusion
The restoration of the defaced mural is a significant step towards healing and reconciliation for the community. The Miami Marlins’ involvement in the restoration efforts demonstrates their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The legacy of Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the mural of Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso?
A: The mural was defaced with racist graffiti last week.
Q: Who is leading the restoration efforts?
A: City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, the Miami Marlins, Urgent, Inc., Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, and other community activists.
Q: Where is the mural located?
A: The mural is located at Dorsey Park in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood.
Q: What is the significance of the mural?
A: The mural is a tribute to the legacy of Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
Q: How can I get involved in the restoration efforts?
A: You can contact the City of Miami or the Miami Marlins to learn more about how to get involved in the restoration efforts.
