Police investigating racial slurs painted near Lincoln School

West Plains Police officers responded to the intersection of Washington Ave. and Pony Thomas for a report of racial slurs spray-painted on the street. The graffiti reads “N**** boy,” and is within sight of the Lincoln School building, formerly a segregated school for African Americans. Recently renovated and restored, the Lincoln School now serves as a community and cultural center under the direction of West Plains native Crockett Oaks, III. 

 

Oaks told the News that the vandalism, “highlights the importance of the work we are doing at Lincoln School. The act of vandalism that we recently witnessed is not only careless, but also counterproductive to our efforts in bringing the community together."

 

The police narrative recording the March 14 incident says there are no suspects currently identified. This narrative does not mention the Lincoln School and does not draw any parallel between the vandalism and the cultural center. The grafitti is located on the road in front of 1355 Washington Ave.

 

Whether or not the slur is directed at the Lincoln School, Oaks says it highlights the project’s relevance.

 

"It's clear that our Lincoln School Project mission remains relevant, especially in light of such divisive actions. I truly hope that those responsible for vandalizing city property with such inflammatory language will be identified and held accountable for their actions," Oaks said.