For years, black schools of any form have been positive symbols of education and progress in the African-American community. Unfortunately, some people are not as understanding of the meaning of this symbol to black people in the United States. A hate crime has made on of these schools the victims of this crime. According to the Washington Post, a historically black school has been defaced with white power graffiti. This has many people upset over the entire situation.
The incident took place in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Washington Post reports that the school was covered with Nazi swastikas and other things that referenced white power rhetoric. The graffiti also included slogans that can often be found in reference to Nazi rhetoric as well.
The news comes at a very sad time, as the area is in the process of bringing some glory to the historic building. The Washington Post is also reporting that the city is working on renovating and restoring the old school house. Loudoun’s School for the Gifted not only owns the property, but they are also hoping to reopen the building as a museum. This is done in an effort to bring more awareness to the segregation and Jim Crow practices that were once very present in the area.
Racism and prejudice are things that have been present in the Untied States for a very long time. Their origins can be dated all the way back to slavery. People of the world have been making efforts to change the school of thought that once existed back then, but many people are still thinking and feeling this way. Those who are renovating and restoring the piece of history should not be discouraged by the actions that took place. One can only hope that all those involved on the project will continue to be motivated.