Activist Group Responds To Swastika Graffiti Found In Mokena

MOKENA, IL — Southwest Suburban Activists group took several actions and distributed signage after swastikas were found spray painted on signs in Mokena for the second time in 17 months. The activist group said it requested that elected officials releasing a public statement condemning not only the swastika graffiti specifically, but also hateful acts and rhetoric in general.

Statements were released by the Will County Board, Will County Board District 2 Representative Amanda Koch, State Representative Margo McDermed, and State Senator Mike Hastings.

The group also designed and distributed "Love Over Hate" yard signsto be placed in the community. The group said it is also planning on scheduling training from the National Coalition Building Institute for community members and elected officials to attend.

“Because a swastika is almost always used as a way to shock and alarm people while also making marginalized groups feel uncomfortable, they must be condemned. Acknowledging and condemning these hateful acts will help the community heal. Ignoring the presence of White Nationalist symbols is not an option as doing so would allow this hate to blossom and grow," SWSA director, Emily Biegel, said in a release.

The group noted the swastikas appeared a few blocks from where Curtain Call Community Theatre is preparing for a production of "The Diary Of Anne Frank" and just days after Holocaust remembrance day.