We are asking you today to stand in in solidarity with the community of Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA and in support of Chicano Park, a official National Historic Landmark.

On February 3, 2018, Chicano Park and its supporting community were the sight of a disturbing demonstration by supporters of the White Nationalist Alt-Right.

To Whom it May Concern: We, members of the civil rights, faith, environmental, conservation and indigenous organizations and communities, write this letter in support of Chicano Park, and the community of Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA in their fight for respect, safety, and the right to celebrate, preserve, and conserve their history and culture. Chicano Park is a place of historic and cultural significance to the community of Barrio Logan, the city of San Diego, the state of California, and the nation. It is recognized as a San Diego Cultural Resource, a California Historic Resource, and a National Historic Landmark. On February 3, 2018, the sanctity of Chicano Park and its supporting community were disrespected by supports of the Alt-Right during the “Patriot Picnic 2” gathering. The event was intended to be a demonstration against Chicano Park and the diverse cultural history that it represents and celebrates. The actions of the Alt-Right white nationalist supporters, including the open carrying of weapons, inappropriate genital nudity in the presence of children, and desecration of the historic murals with urine, is inexcusable and endangers the integrity of the national landmark and the safety of its community members. Chicano Park was designated a National Historic Landmark because its history maintains and embodies “high artistic value” and represents a distinct time period in Art History recognized as Chicano Art that ascends onto the American art scene at the height of the Chicano Civil Rights era. Its history and artistic value depict an important diverse part of America’s rich, complex history. Chicano Park, its murals, and story, deserve to be treated with the utmost respect as the national treasure it is. This type of behavior by white nationalists is neither acceptable nor normal and we will continue to stand in solidarity against such hatred and in defense of the rights and safety of communities across the country from Barrio Logan, CA to Charlottesville, VA. We will not tolerate any form of hatred or discrimination and will align ourselves with communities of color and creeds that are the target of ongoing bigotry. We call on our political leaders, the City of San Diego, and the San Diego Police Department to condemn these acts not just today, but every time they happen. We cannot stand idly by while the integrity of a national treasure is diminished and reduced in the name of white nationalist and alt-right advancements. GreenLatinos along with civil rights, faith, environmental, conservation and indigenous allies stands in support of the Chicano Park Steering Committee as stewards of the Park and the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center in their continued 48+ years at protecting green space and promoting peace and understanding through educational experiences. We recommend the City embrace its volunteer citizenry to promote diversity and educate the populous on the valuable history found in Chicano Park. Sincerely,