Marlins Join Restoration of Vandalized Mural in Overtown
The Miami Marlins have joined efforts to restore the mural of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in the Overtown neighborhood of Miami, which was defaced with racist graffiti last week. Miami City President Christine King announced on Wednesday that along with the Marlins, Urgent, Inc., the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, the Southwest Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, and other community activists will lead the restoration at Dorsey Park. There, community leaders reported that a 7-year-old child discovered the vandalism last Sunday and asked his mother what the Nazi words and symbols meant.The police are investigating the incident, but have not yet made any arrests. City workers have partially covered the murals of Robinson and Miñoso, an Afro-Cuban player, with wooden boards. The murals are along a fence in Dorsey Park, where Negro League teams once played baseball. The Marlins’ stadium, loanDepot park, is a few kilometers from the park.“This vile assault was an attack on our values, history, and community,” King said in a statement. “We are actively working with the authorities and the public to identify the individuals responsible for this intolerable act. However, even in the darkest hours, light finds a way to shine. This is a reminder and a testament to the strength of our community, which comes together to restore peace, beauty, and pride in this neighborhood.”
Christine King, President of the City of Miami
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 Chicago White Sox’s first black player. 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.“In light of the deeply concerning acts of vandalism at Dorsey Park, the Miami Marlins today stand in solidarity with Miami City President Christine King and our local leaders to unequivocally condemn 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 pioneers to the game of baseball.”
Bruce Sherman, Marlins Owner
