Brittany Horn

The News Journal

A "Black Lives Matter" banner outside a Talleyville church along Concord Pike has been vandalized again – but now, the church is responding with dollars.

In new signs posted alongside the banner Wednesday, church officials with the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington warn vandals that for every time the bright yellow and black banner is cut or destroyed, members will make a donation to Black Lives Matter UU.

"We want to make this even more costly to you [the vandals]," said the Rev. Roberta Finkelstein. "Every time you do this, you're actually making a donation to the cause."

The sign posted reads: "To the vandals who come in the night: Every time you damage our banners, we will replace them AND we will make a donation to Black Lives Matter UU. Each act of vandalism will benefit the Black Lives Matter cause."

The banner, which was first erected on Memorial Day weekend, was damaged last weekend when someone cut the word "Black" out of it. The church quickly replaced the banner Sunday, only to have it slashed repeatedly overnight Tuesday. Finkelstein said that while they were disappointed in the vandalism, they were not surprised, as similar situations have occurred at other churches that have taken the same stance.

They even had extra banners on hand in case this occurred, she said. They've since been forced to order more.

"Racism is alive and well in our society," she said, "and the behavior of the vandals only serves to prove that point."

Now, the church wants to find a way to connect with the community even more. Since putting up the banners, Finkelstein said she has had many conversations with people both in agreement and disagreement with the church's stance. The response has been mostly positive. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement, she said.

STORY: Black Lives Matter banner vandalized in Talleyville

STORY: Talleyville church supports Black Lives matter movement

In the meantime, the banners will stay up.

"What is aggravating for us is just a small piece of what people of color go through with and the risk to their lives and freedom every day," Finkelstein said. "We're happy to keep putting up the banners."

The church is planning a re-dedication ceremony for the banners and a vigil for later this summer. Exact dates have not yet been set. Delaware State Police continue to investigate the vandalism and ask anyone with information should contact Troop 1 at (302) 761-6677.

Donations and checks to help support the banner and Black Lives Matter movement should be made out to First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, with "BLM Banner" on the memo line. The church is located at 730 Halstead Road in Talleyville.

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.