Vandalism at African American House on Nantucket investigated as hate crime


The Nantucket Police Department is currently investigating what appears to be an act of hate directed at persons of color on the island. Shortly before 7:00 AM today the Department received a call reporting that person(s) unknown had vandalized the African Meeting House building by spray painting racist comments on the front door of this historical structure located at 29 York Street. The vandal(s) spray painted a racially offensive term to African Americans along with what appears to be a phallic symbol on the front of the building using what appears to be black spray paint.

It is believed at this time that the incident occurred between the hours of 4:00 PM on Saturday and 6:45 AM on Sunday. Officers are conducting a canvas of the neighborhood in an effort to determine if anyone saw or heard anything unusual overnight.

This building dates back to 1827 and has touched the lives of escaped slaves, Native Americans, Cape Verdeans, Quakers, educator and abolitionists over its history. This senseless act is not only a senseless crime but an attack on the rich history of this very community. For additional information about the African Meeting House please click on the following link: http://maah.org/afmnantucket.htm

Crimes such as this are not what Nantucket is about. Nantucket is known for its diverse population and celebrates the diversity of cultures that make up this island community. The officers of the Nantucket Police Department will vigorously pursue the perpetrator(s) of this hate crime. We are asking for any assistance that the general public has to offer to help us solve this crime. If a member of the community has information that they believe might be helpful to officers in solving this crime they should call the Nantucket Police Crime Tip Hotline at (508) 228-3626. Calls to this line are not traceable and callers do not have to identify themselves.
Media release and photo furnished by Nantucket Police



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