HUMBOLDT — Racist slogans and symbols were spray painted on the walls of some Main Street businesses.
The vandalism to the 600 block businesses, located between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue, included the swastika and the symbol used by the Schutzstaffel, as well as the words, “It’s okay 2 be white,” and “SSkinheadss.”
The crimes are thought to have taken place in the night between Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
Dan Towalt is the owner of one of the buildings, which has a mural he commissioned that was damaged by the vandalism. In the previous week, on the night of Aug. 25 and 26, another one of his buildings was vandalized with a signature-like scrawl.
Torwalt said he was saddened and concerned about the racist graffiti, that those who did it knew what they were doing.
“This is something that when you start putting symbols like that out there, that's more than just some kids at night having fun. This is a lot deeper than that and I think the city of Humboldt has to realize what's out there and what's in our community,” he said.
“I think it's just something that as a community that we have to be aware of that's out there. We have to stand up to it and respect everyone, [no matter] their colours or religions. That’s what it's all about now this world, standing up for one another, respecting and supporting.”
Torwalt added that it goes to show that Humboldt is not immune from racism.
As for the mural, Torwalt said he’s called the mural painters and they plan to patch up the graffiti over the weekend.
“They don't want it to be on there any longer than it has to be.”
