Florida’s Jupiter Beach became the stage for a disturbing incident that underscored the ongoing struggle against racism. Here’s the full story.
The Racist Act
The incident unfolded after Andrew Sherlock Mills, a black surfer, engaged in a heated exchange with other surfers on the beach.
“Not Welcome” Here
He reported being assaulted and subjected to derogatory comments, with the individuals involved making it clear he was “not welcome.”
The Unsettling Discovery
When Mills exited the water, he was met with an unsettling discovery: his surfboard had been nailed to a palm tree, approximately 10 feet above the ground, evoking haunting parallels with the lynching imagery used to symbolize hate.
Racism in Florida
Mills recounted his distressing encounter on the Instagram page ‘black.surfers’. He posted: “This serves as a stark reminder of the genuine extent of racism and animosity prevalent in Jupiter, Florida.”
They Can’t Stand to See a Black Man
“They can’t stand to see a Black man in their waters. I was told I was not welcome. Stole my board when I turned my back and they did this. Said it was a message,” he continued.
They Nailed It to a Tree
“They nailed it to the tree like a lynching,” he concluded.
Downplaying Racism
After Mills posted the incident, the Instagram group ignited a passionate debate. Some responses attempted to downplay the racial aspect, suggesting that Mills’ experience was tied to his surfing manners rather than his race.
Not Racism, Just Bad Etiquette
“It has nothing to do with your race, rather it has to do with your etiquette,” one user wrote.
“No One Is After You Man. None of Us Are Racist”
Another user added, “You obviously seem to not understand that still. No one is after you man. None of us are racist.”
A Cover for Underlying Racism
However, Mills and his supporters rejected these claims, saying these arguments serve as a cover for underlying racism and discrimination.
What Really Happened
Mills responded, “This happened after I was physically pushed around in the water by two dudes grabbing my board and a third guy screaming Get off our beach, you’re not welcome here, and the rest of it.”
“A few locals that were there were apologizing and agreed it was wrong,” he added.
Racially Motivated Vandalism
In response to the incident, the black surfer’s group labeled Mills as a “Black surfer, father and husband, who was subjected to racially motivated vandalism and a symbolic lynching of his board.”
Hold People to Account
The group wrote, “If you see something, say something. Hold people to account. What’s done in the dark must be brought to the light.”
An Investigation Is Under Way
The Jupiter Police Department announced an investigation into the incident after spotting it on social media.
“Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Julie, a dedicated hospice nurse from Los Angeles, California, with 1.3 million followers, sheds light on the moments before death and dispels hospice myths. “Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
This tale of not judging a book by its cover comes from Reddit. A military veteran questioned the legitimacy of another vet’s claim to be part of the school’s veterans organization. Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
A transgender swimmer has been surrounded by controversy after winning the NCAA and not facing a ban. Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
“Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
A man recently asked Redditors for their opinions after he cut back at work to satisfy his wife’s demands that he do more chores at home. Here is his full story. “Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
“Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The footage, which quickly went viral, shows the professor vehemently shouting at the student, demanding to know their name, and ultimately instructing them to leave the classroom. The incident has ignited a broader discussion about racial dynamics and appropriate conduct within educational environments, particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The post “This Beach Isn’t for the Black!” – Black Surfer’s Board Nailed to a Tree Spotlights Ongoing Battle Against Racism first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.