by Alex MacWilliam
I always try to start these messages on a positive note. Unfortunately, that is not the case this month. In February, a commercial property on 1st Avenue owned by a long-time Bridgeland business was the target of a graffiti attack that can only be described as racist, violent, and hateful. The nearby Calgary Buddhist Temple was also tagged with offensive graffiti. The perpetrators of these cowardly criminal acts (now being investigated by the hate crimes unit of the Calgary Police Service) no doubt intended to inspire others who share their hateful views.
I am pleased to report that their actions have had the opposite effect. Within hours of the incident being discovered, the offensive messages were painted over, and residents began placing paper hearts and messages of support on the wall of the building. Later that day, the BRCA connected with the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) to see if it would be interested in commissioning an artist to design and paint a mural that would send a message of love, acceptance, and kindness, values that embody what Bridgeland-Riverside stands for. For those not familiar with BUMP, it is a community-driven initiative that has been transforming Calgary’s inner city into an expansive open-air urban art gallery since 2017. BRCA collaborated with BUMP in 2021 to turn the concrete pillars supporting the 4th Avenue flyover near our award-winning Flyover Park into colourful murals.
Upon learning of the graffiti attack, BUMP was pleased to get involved and so we have set about fundraising to make this mural happen this year. At the time of writing this message (mid-February), the fundraising campaign had attracted over 80 donors in its first two weeks and has received contributions totalling approximately 20% of the money needed to fund the project. If you would like to support this project, donations may be made on our website at brcacalgary.org.
While my message this month started on a very negative note, I am hoping that the response to this hateful crime will demonstrate that we are a kind, welcoming, and anti-racist community. It is important to keep in mind that racism cannot simply be painted over. It is up to all of us to stand together in support of everyone in our diverse community. As stated on our website, “love wins”.
