Atlanta police are investigating an act of vandalism that damaged property belonging to vendors at the Global Village at Global Black Pride.
Officials say the vandalism happened at the Starling Atlanta Midtown, the host hotel of Global Black Pride, late Tuesday night, August 27. According to investigators, an intoxicated hotel guest caused the damage. At the banquet hall where the Global Black Pride Village was held, displays were thrown to the ground, tables were overturned, and the vandals defecated on a Pride flag.
“Our table was flipped over,” Toni-Michelle Williams, the executive director of Solutions Not Punishment, Co. and one of the exhibitors at the event, told WSB-TV. “All of our belongings, from brochures to hats to T-shirts, was blown all over the place. It was just a really sad scene.”
Authorities have not yet identified a suspect in the case.
Atlanta Black Pride responded to the vandalism in a statement.
“This act of hate is not just an attack on a building but a violation of our entire community,” the statement reads. “It strikes at the heart of what we stand for – unity, love, and celebrating our diverse and vibrant identities. This year’s theme, ‘Honor the Past, Be Present, Secure the Future,’ holds even more weight in light of these events. We honor the struggle and sacrifices of those who came before us, who fought for our rights and our dignity. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in the present, recognizing that the road to equality is not without its obstacles. And we commit to securing a future where every member of our community can live freely and safely without fear of prejudice or violence.”
In a statement to FOX 5, the organizers of Global Black Pride described the vandalism as a “hateful attack.”
“This act of hatred at a gathering aimed at recognizing Black and Brown LGBTIQ+ people from around the world is disheartening and deeply troubling,” the organizers said. “Despite this, we are resolute in our commitment to celebrating Black
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