Acts of Vandalism & Hate Crimes Up in 2021 in Salem, Mass.
SALEM, Mass. Jodi Bee Bakes, a bakery located in downtown Salem, Mass., has repeatedly had its storefront vandalized over the past months, in what the Mayor says is an attempt to shake up the community, more specifically the LGBTQIA+ community.
“As a city that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming, we strongly condemn these acts,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll to
The Rainbow Times. “They are more than just cowardly acts of vandalism they are intended to frighten and discomfort residents in their own community.”
On its storefront, the bakery dons rainbow and trans pride flag stickers, amongst others. But more than once, the owners have found white nationalist symbols on top of the pride stickers seemingly in an attempt to obscure them with the group’s own message sending a chilling effect through the community. The store has been targeted
White Nationalism Rears Its Ugly Head Again; Rainbow Stickers Obscured With White Nationalist Imagery
In Salem, Mass., vandalism, attacks, and hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community have taken place, as most who are aware of the struggles that are encountered by the community at large know. However, when incidents based on vitriol with direct or indirect assaults against marginalized communities occur, they must be countered expediently, vigorously, and with proactive action immediately. This time, that assault against the LGBTQ+ community took place through a local business now, twice. The business stricken by it this time is Jodi Bee’s Bakery in downtown Salem.