Black Surfer Says Racists In Florida Nailed His Board To A Tree
A Black surfer claims that his board was stolen in Jupiter, Fla., and that it was nailed to a tree in an act of “racially motivated vandalism and a symbolic lynching of his board,” Surfer.com reports.
Andrew Sherlock Mills alleged that he was assaulted and told a group of White surfers that he was ‘not welcome’ during an altercation at the beach, and he discovered that his board was missing when he left the water on Friday (August 25).
Mills’ board was found nailed to a palm tree, almost 10 feet off the ground which was symbolic of a lynching
On the Black.surfers Instagram account, Mills shared the details of the incident
“This is how real the racism and hate is in Jupiter, Florida,” Mills wrote. “They can’t stand to see a Black man in their waters. I was told I’m not welcome. Stole my board when I turned my back and they did this. Said it was a message. They nailed it to the tree like a lynching.”
“I took the board down, stayed, and surfed the whole day with a small board to show my face. A few locals that were there were apologizing and agreed it was wrong. They did said [sic], after what happened, I’m welcome to surf their waters freely and no one will bother me. I’m just going to leave it in God’s hands”
The account also asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward with any information about the vandalism.
“For those in that area, that may know who did this, who do not want the actions of a few to stain the perception of their community, please come forward so we may demand an apology and an acknowledgment of the pain they have caused,” the post read.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Mills explained that the encounter was a racist attack.
“The message was just to let me know, ‘You can’t come around here and mess with us,’” Mills said.“I know they feel a certain way about me because I’m Black.”
“I’ve just always been [had] a lot of racism when I’m surfing. I get that look,” he continued. “Nobody’s really friendly with me.”
Mills is now concerned for the safety of his wife and two young sons after social media users claim that he is playing the “race card.’
On Saturday (August 26), Mills filed a police report about the incident and the Jupiter Police Department said it was investigating the matter.
No arrests have been made.
