In response to the recent vandalism around Norman, Mayor-elect Breea Clark is hosting a community rally.
The Community Rally: Strike Back with Love event comes the same day as anti-semitic and racist graffiti was discovered at various locations around Norman.
The event will take place at Lions Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and attendees are invited to use the hashtag #strikebackwithlove
“The recent vandalism does not represent who we are or what we value as a community, and we need to stand together and support each other,” the Facebook event said.
Mayor-Elect Clark said the call to action was swift from leaders around the Norman community hoping to respond to the incidents.
The rally was planned throughout a “very emotional” morning, Clark said, displaying the support and unity of the community.
“They essentially rallied to hold the rally,” Clark said.
The rally will feature guest speakers and leaders from around Norman and communities affected by the racist messages, including the Reverend Richard Gaines of the Community Missionary Baptist Church of Norman and Rabbi Monte Judah of Lion and Lamb Ministries
Speakers from Norman Pride, Black Lives Matter and the Oklahoma state legislature have also been invited.
“It’s hurtful, it’s vile, it’s the worst of humanity,” Clark said, “but what I’ve learned is that from the worst of humanity the best rises up.”
This post was updated at 3:46 to reflect the response of Mayor-elect Breea Clark.
