School, college and other closings for Monday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

A noose — among the most threatening and resonant images from America's long history of white racist violence — was left in the garage stall Sunday of NASCAR's sole African American driver in the Cup Series, its top stock car racing circuit.

NASCAR said the incident took place at its race track in Talladega, Ala. The garage stall was assigned to Bubba Wallace, who had led the successful campaign 

 from NASCAR facilities and events, which went into effect earlier this month.

, Wallace said, "Today's despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism."

Sunday's race at the Talladega Superspeedway was postponed to Monday because of rain. It was to have been the first large public sporting event since crowd restrictions were imposed across the nation because of the coronavirus. Some 5,000 spectators were permitted in a venue that seats about 100,000.

Within the speedway, the ban appeared to be successful. But outside, a rolling protest of vehicles flew large Confederate banners, and merchants were selling souvenirs with the flag's image. An unidentified pilot flew a light plane over the speedway, trailing a large Confederate flag and a banner with the words, "Defund NASCAR."

"Together," Wallace continued in his statement, "our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone. Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate." 

Social Issues

Conversations around race and racial justice

Crime, Law and Justice

The murder of George Floyd

Mark Katkov

Author

The symbol of violent white racism was found in Bubba Wallace's stall. The only Black driver in the top stock car racing circuit, he had led the campaign to ban Confederate flags from NASCAR events.

Noose left in Black driver's garage stall at NASCAR race track

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox