WINDSOR, CT (WTIC News) -- As the historic Town of Windsor, noted for its racial diversity, celebrates 30 years of its Freedom Trail, leaders are concerned about several acts of hateful vandalism along the trail and elsewhere.
Over the last few weeks, vandals ripped out a plaque in honor of Black soldiers at the U.S. Colored Regiments Memorial Monument. They also stole a memorial bench from a church cemetery. The bench honors Alfred and Patricia Narcisse, who led Windsor’s Freedom Trail committee.
Also, the Pride flag was removed from the First Church, the oldest congregation in the state.
Joined by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Democratic state representatives Jane Garibay, Maryam Khan and Dominique Johnson at a Town Hall press conference, along with local religious leaders, Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke couldn’t say yet if she thinks outsiders are responsible.
“My first thought was, one, we need to talk about it, get it out to the police, get it out to the community,” says Black-Burke. “Is someone trying to send us a message? Or, what’s going on, because you usually don’t hear about that type of vandalism, things that go on here in Windsor.”
She says police are looking into the crimes. WTIC has requested comment from Windsor police.
Five years ago in Windsor, nooses were placed at the Amazon warehouse, then under construction. No one was arrested, despite a major police operation that included the FBI.
Rev. Adrienne Armes of First Church says the vandalism fits the pattern of hate crimes that’s intensified across the country. She believes many are committed, fraudulently, in the name of religion.
“Christian nationalism is not the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Armes. “Intolerance is not a legitimate expression of Christianity. Jesus called his followers to love their neighbors, period.”
“When young people see these acts of hurt, they make them feel less safe in a place like Windsor, like Norwalk, that is diverse and is inclusive and is welcoming,” said Rep. Johnson (D-Norwalk). “And that is something we can’t stand by.”
