This post was originally counting the days it would take to get a statement of acknowledgement and concern about the vandalism of the Venice Black Lives Matter mural. 11 days.
The BLM mural stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and a call for justice in the historic Oakwood community. This symbol of strength was brutally vandalized on April 5th, 2023, an act that reverberated deeply within the community and beyond. Such acts of hate demand swift condemnation and action from leadership. Yet, Councilwoman Traci Park’s response—or the lack thereof—has been a source of considerable concern.
The clock ticked. Days turned into a week, then almost two weeks. A community awaited a response. But from Councilwoman Park, silence prevailed. When a statement finally emerged, it was not on her public social channels, where it could be seen and shared widely. Instead, it was tucked away in a newsletter. An act of brazen hate relegated to the equivalent of a footnote.
One cannot help but wonder: if the vandalized property were a synagogue, would the response have been as muted? Would it have taken nearly two weeks to address? Given the weight such actions carry, it’s plausible to assume that had it been a different religious or cultural symbol, an immediate press conference and a call to action would have been on the agenda.
The absence of any effort to investigate and identify the culprits behind the anti-black hate vandalism adds another layer of distress. If leadership is silent and passive in the face of racial hatred, how can we expect justice to prevail?
Traci Park’s history and associations only amplify these concerns. The implicit messages sent through her affiliations, endorsements, and inactions have created an environment where acts of hate might feel emboldened. When leadership associates with controversial entities or remains silent in the face of prejudice, it offers an implicit nod of approval to those contemplating acts of hate. Her staunch relationship with organizations and figures known for racial biases (like the LAPPL) sets a worrying precedent.
Leadership is not just about policy-making or attending official events; it’s about being present, vocally and genuinely, in the critical moments that define a community’s journey. The defaced mural in Oakwood isn’t just an act of hate—it’s a litmus test for our elected officials, a test that, in this case, Traci Park sadly but predictably failed.
Councilwoman Traci Park’s response to the vandalized mural speaks volumes, reminding us that actions, and sometimes the lack thereof, indeed speak louder than words.
Email her today and let her she needs to step up for all communities
and denounce this anti-Black hate:
[email protected]
