Boston business that helps blacks hit by racist graffiti

BOSTON – A Boston business that helps nurture black entrepreneurs has been struck by racist graffiti just days before its spring opening.

The phrase “White Lives Matter” was spray painted on the side of the Black Market space in the city’s Roxbury neighbourhood.

Co-owner Kai Grant says the neighbourhood has been targeted by vandals before, but this is the first time it has had racial tones.

She says the graffiti “takes the wind out of you.”

Black Market operates as a space for vendors to sell their goods. Grant said the market generated of $400,000 in revenue for 150 vendors in just 33 days last summer.

Police are trying to determine if a hate crime was committed. Mayor Marty Walsh says such vandalism “will not be tolerated.”