Watch Live: CityNews at Six Calgary

Calgary police investigating Black Lives Matter mural vandalism as possible hate crime

A Black Lives Matter mural in Calgary was defaced over the weekend. As Taylor Braat reports, police are investigating it as a possible hate crime.

By 660 NEWS Staff

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgary police are investigating after a Black Lives Matter (BLM) mural was vandalized over the weekend.

The mural, painted on a shipping container in the community of Sunnyside, was vandalized sometime between Friday and Saturday.

No racial slurs or derogatory marks were visible, although the culprit used white paint in an attempt to cover up the mural.

The police hate crimes coordinator believes there is evidence to suggest a hate bias at play here and it will be designated to a special crown prosecutor.

However, no suspect description is available and police ask anyone with information to contact them.

Sami Fouad with Black Lives Matter Calgary said they will not be intimidated by what happened.

“It won’t stop us. We’re committed long-term to lift up Calgarians who are Black, Indigenous, queer, women, trans, differently abled, poor or otherwise marginalized. As we organize, mature and more people learn about the positive work that we’d like to see happen through our volunteer team of activists, we’re confident our positive messages will reach all Calgarians loud and clear,” Fouad said.

He added that it shows a need for more work to combat racism and bigotry, and that political leaders need to do a better job showing solidarity as well.

” My first thought was politicians need to stop demonizing our movement and what we want to accomplish,” he said. “Next it was that the white paint staining that artwork is a metaphor for powerful people in positions of authority drowning out our voices and the positive changes we want for everyone in our city.”

Fouad said that part of the problem is the people who try to bring down movements like Black Lives Matter or defunding police.

“So what’s really significant is the loudness of the racists who actively oppose us, not their numbers,” he said. “We’re not extremists. We’re Calgarians who want positive change for our city.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today