International illustrator turns Quarry Bank Chinese takeaway graffiti story into cartoon
A community has rallied together to support the owners of a Chinese takeaway which was targeted with racist graffiti.
The story of Quarry Bank's community spirit has now been turned into a work of art by an international illustrator.
Joanne Wong, a British-born Chinese illustrator living in Hong Kong, was moved to create an online comic strip story telling how the community banded together to show love and support for the owners of the Tin Sing takeaway after the shop was vandalised with racist graffiti.
Children at Quarry Bank Primary School painted a rainbow picture saying 'love is stronger than hate' and 'Quarry Bonk likes rice not racists' which was put up on the takeaway walls where the racist slurs had been scrawled.
More than 1,000 people have since joined a Tin Sing Appreciation Group on Facebook to show their support for the owners following the incident which police are still investigating.
Professional artist Joanne said: "I was moved when I saw the Quarry Bank story, as the community outwardly showed that it cared and stood against racism, so I wanted to include this story of warmth and hope.
"Everyone living in Quarry Bank should be proud that they’re from a close knit, friendly community."
Joanne's illustrations depicting the story of the Tin Sing takeaway can be seen on her blog and people can find out more about her work on her website.
Alex Rawlings, headteacher at Quarry Bank Primary School, which is currently open to the children of key workers, said the school community had been "really upset for the family" which runs Tin Sing and wanted to put a positive message out.
“The comic makes the message really accessible - it can span age groups and languages. We are planning to use the comic as a real-life teaching tool that shows the power of community and citizenship. And we're proud to be part of that community."
Dudley Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner, said: “Hate has absolutely no place in Dudley, and that’s highlighted by the fantastic community response and outpouring of support following what happened.
“Joanne’s art is a really powerful way to spread the anti-racism message beyond Quarry Bank, across Dudley, the wider West Midlands and around the world. But our investigation into the original incident continues.
“We will not tolerate this kind of crime and we’re doing all we can to find those responsible, but we need your help. Please get in touch with us if you have any information, no matter how small. What you tell us could be vital in bringing those responsible to justice.”
West Midlands Police can be contacted via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am – midnight or call 101 anytime. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote 20DY/90187L/20.
