There has been a “disturbing” rise in racist graffiti in Lurgan, according to one of the town’s councillors.
Sinn Féin representative Sorchá McGeown has spoken out against the surge in “hateful” slogans appearing across the area in recent weeks and months.
Councillor McGeown said: “The appearance of racist graffiti in our community is deeply concerning and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“Lurgan is a diverse and welcoming community, and this hateful behaviour does not reflect the values or spirit of the people who live here.
“Racism has no place in our society, in Lurgan or anywhere else.
“We must stand together to challenge hate wherever it appears and work to build a society rooted in respect, equality and inclusion.”
Meanwhile, local action group Lurgan Against Racism is inviting the public to its first community event, titled ‘Anti-Racism in Action: A Community Conversation’.
The event will take place on Thursday, August 28 at 7pm in Lurgan Town Hall, and will feature speakers from CATU (Community Action Tenants Union), the Community Intercultural Programme, the Craigavon Trades Council, and others.
Speakers will share real-life experiences and practical ways to challenge racism in everyday life, along with ideas for what we can all do to help make Lurgan a more inclusive place for everyone.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We’ve come together in Lurgan to address the worrying rise in hateful incidents — from Islamophobic graffiti to anti-migrant demonstrations — not by pointing fingers, but by inviting everyone into a conversation.”
The event is free and open to all, and organisers are encouraging people to come along, listen, and learn about practical ways you can stand together against hate.
