Black Lives Matter banner set on fire
Third act of vandalism suffered by Meeting House that is a ‘landmark on the African American Heritage Trail’
A ‘Black Lives Matter’ banner installed by Quakers outside a Meeting house in the US was set on fire, in a third act of vandalism this summer.
The incident at the Chappaqua Meeting House in Westchester happened in the early hours of 6 August. The Chappaqua Fire Department, which put the blaze out, said it was intentionally set. It is now being investigated as a hate crime.
The fire is the third act of vandalism directed at the banner this summer, after two previous incidents in August and July. In the first incident, the word ‘Black’ was painted over, leaving only the phrase ‘Lives Matter’.
Following the second act and before the fire, Quakers sent an open letter to The Examiner newspaper describing the Meeting House as a ‘landmark on the African American Heritage Trail’.
It said: ‘The vandalism on our property has particular significance, as our Meeting House has a proud and rich history and stands as a landmark on the African American Heritage Trail in Westchester because of the opposition to slavery expressed by Quakers as early as the 1750s, when the Meeting House was constructed. By challenging the morality of slavery, Friends served in part as a catalyst to the abolition of slavery in post-Revolutionary War New York. At the same time, we know the vestiges of slavery and oppression continue to the present. We strive to stand as allies for those who have faced deep oppression and discrimination.’
The Meeting said it was particularly saddened by the anonymous desecration as ‘social change… requires an open dialogue, in the light of transparency and open debate. At the same time, we are heartened and pleased to have heard from so many in our Chappaqua community who have spoken out in support of our banner’s message, and in outrage at its defacing’.
The letter concluded: ‘We also invite the individual or individuals who marked our sign to explain their reasons. Why did you feel this was necessary?’
The banner was designed by a young Meeting member and displayed in June, shortly after the killing of George Floyd.
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