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Swastika Painted at Fred Alexander Park Near Black Youth Garden Prompts Solidarity Gathering
A painted swastika was found at Fred Alexander Park near The Males Place, a community garden and mentorship program for young Black men. On Saturday, organizers and the Mecklenburg County sheriff gathered to pray, show support, and condemn the hate symbol.
CHARLOTTE â A painted swastika discovered at Fred Alexander Park in northwest Charlotte has drawn condemnation from community leaders and prompted a solidarity gathering near the site where it was found.
The symbol was painted near The Males Place, a community garden and mentorship program that serves young Black men. On Saturday, organizers and supporters met at the garden to pray and demonstrate unity in response to the vandalism.
Omachi Baba Reggie Singleton, founder of The Males Place, addressed the incident directly.
âWe reject intimidation, and we reject any attempt to normalize symbols of racial terror in our community,â Singleton said.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden also condemned the vandalism, describing it as a direct attack and a hateful symbol.
The swastika is widely recognized as a symbol of Nazi Germany and white supremacist ideology, and its appearance near a program dedicated to Black youth and community cultivation has heightened concerns about targeted intimidation.
The gathering on Saturday was intended to reaffirm community support for the mentorship program and to push back against the hateful message the symbol represents. Organizers emphasized that they will not be deterred from their work.
The incident remains under investigation. No further details about potential suspects or charges were immediately available.