Heather Akou knows it was a hate crime. “He just caused so much damage,” said Akou, a member of the board of trustees at the Islamic Center of Bloomington.
In the end, it was 5000 dollars worth of damage. On Oct. 18, a man vandalized the Islamic Center, breaking the HVAC system, multiple security cameras, and the metal fence surrounding the yard. After the suspect’s arrest, police told the Islamic Center that he, Adam Walls, had a record of similar offenses.
“Some people already even that first week started writing is off as, ‘Oh, it wasn’t a hate crime,’” said Akou, “’He was just mentally ill. This is totally fine. Everything’s fine.’” And while that explanation was satisfactory to some, the attack reminded Akou of previous incidents. Particularly, she recalled the attack at Sofra Café in 2015.
Akou details her understanding of the event and why she thinks it’s a hate crime.
In response, Akou helped organize an interfaith, community support event. She wanted the event focused on giving back. “We really wanted this to be a healing, more spiritually focused event,” Akou said, “This was really just about making people feel welcome, bringing people together, and feeling that mutual support in the community.”
The Islamic Center hosted the event on Oct. 30. Sofra Café provided tea and a Turkish honey cake called “revani.” The IU student organization Muslim Women provided apple cider and coffee. Speakers from the Islamic Center, Beth Shalom Congregation, The Canterbury House, and IU all highlighted Muslims’ valid desire for safety in this community. “The Muslim community has been traumatized, and it is our responsibility as non-Muslims to restore your trust and your faith in us,” said Rabbi Brian Besser.
But the Islamic Center isn’t interested in withholding support just for those who give back. “We’d like to help pay for his mental healthcare or whatever he needs,” Akou said of Walls.
Attendees gathering together to chat after the event.
Women of the congregation cutting and distributing cake from Sofra Cafe.
The crowd socializing before the start of the speakers.
Two men socializing together after the end of the speakers.
IU sophomore Kiandra Brown chatting with attendees after she spoke at the event.
Two muslim women chatting after the speakers had given their speeches.
Two members of the congregation cutting and distributing the cake from Sofra Cafe.
Heather Akou, member of the board of trustees at the Islamic Center, and the woman who organized the event.
IU sophomore Kiandra Brown describing the purpose of the IU Muslim Women group.
The Islamic Center of Bloomington with the gathering crowd out front before the event.
Three children playing on the playground in the yard where the vandalism took place.
Doctor Yusuf Nur, a member of the congregation, speaking of safety.
Reverend Ed Bird from the Canterbury House preparing to speak at the event.
Doctor James Wimbush, the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and Dean of the University Graduate School from IU speaking at the event.
