SWAMPSCOTT — In the wake of the discovery of racist graffiti on a basketball court Friday, town officials joined the parade at the annual Strawberry Festival to condemn the incident and show their support for marginalized communities living in town.
Select Board members Katie Phelan, Peter Spellios and Doug Thompson carried the Pride and Juneteenth flags, respectively, in the parade, making their way down Humphrey Street just as it began to rain Sunday evening. During the parade, they were accompanied by other elected officials including state Rep. Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead).
In a brief interview following the parade, Spellios said the event represented an opportunity for elected officials to get a message of unity in front of some of the town’s youngest residents.
“This event brings out more kids than any other event in Swampscott and it’s important for them to see the leaders condemning racist and hateful behavior and for them to see the leaders comfortable supporting all in our community,” he said.
The graffiti incident remains under investigation by the town’s police department, after officers responded to a report of racist graffiti scrawled on Abbott Basketball Court Thursday night.
Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald and Police Chief Ruben Quesada condemned the incident in a statement issued after the discovery of the graffiti.
“We have zero tolerance for any acts of hatred, and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice,” Quesada said.
“While these words of hate are a sad sign of the times, they have no place in Swampscott,” added Fitzgerald, who noted the proximity of the discovery to Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the freeing of the final enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, and its occurrence during Pride month. “Sadly, there are folks who oppose these changes that celebrate the infinite value of humanity. We are going to ensure that folks know that everyone in this town will be safe, and hate will be wrapped in love.”
