Santa Cruz Nonprofit Speaks Out After Black Lives Matter Banner Stolen for Third Time

September 2, 2025

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center in Santa Cruz County has experienced the theft of its Black Lives Matter banner for the third time, which staff believe is a targeted act of hate. The nonprofit has filed a police report regarding the vandalism and trespassing, noting that other signs on their building remained untouched while only the BLM banner was removed. During the second theft, the perpetrator left a note referencing "White Lives Matter, too," further indicating the discriminatory nature of these incidents.

Who is affected

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center (a nonprofit serving domestic violence victims)
The Black community in Santa Cruz County
Victims of domestic violence, particularly Black residents who are disproportionately served by the center
Center staff and community supporters of the Black Lives Matter message

What action is being taken

The center has filed a police report documenting the vandalism and trespassing
The nonprofit is considering installing security cameras specifically facing the corner where the banner is displayed
The center has already ordered another Black Lives Matter banner to replace the stolen one
Community members are supporting the center, including through donations to help with banner replacement
The center continues to display the banner, placing it "higher and higher" after each theft

Why it matters

The repeated targeting of specifically the Black Lives Matter banner (while other signs remain untouched) represents what staff describe as "a message of hate"
The center views displaying the banner as important for showing support for the Black community's "right to be seen, to be protected and to be proud"
According to local activist Ayo Banjo, this incident is part of a pattern of similar actions in the community, not an isolated event
The thefts target an organization that serves domestic violence victims, particularly Black residents who are disproportionately affected

What's next

The center will maintain its stance and continue displaying the Black Lives Matter banner despite the thefts
The organization will place the new banner even higher to make it less accessible to potential thieves
The center is considering installing security cameras focused on the corner where the banner is displayed

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint