Virtual Memorial For Calvin Goode Interrupted By Racial Slurs

PHOENIX — The FBI and Phoenix Police Department are investigating after hackers shouting racial slurs interrupted a virtual memorial Tuesday for Phoenix civil rights icon Calvin Goode.

The Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted a livestream on its Facebook page, with family members, city officials and friends speaking through Zoom. Mayor Kate Gallego was speaking when someone began shouting slurs a half-hour into the service.

Gallego confirmed that an investigation was underway and condemned the hate speech.

“I condemn the racists who disrupted Vice Mayor Goode’s funeral services. This is horrific and does not represent the values & commitment of our community. I am determined to continue Vice Mayor Goode’s fight,” Gallego said.

She was joined by several Phoenix City Council members. Goode served on the council for 22 years and served as Phoenix Vice Mayor. He was the second Black council member for the city. Goode died on Dec. 23 at the age of 93.

“What happened at Vice Mayor Goode’s virtual funeral is despicable," Councilman Carlos Garcia said in a statement. "Calvin Goode was a giant in this community. He fought back against bigotry for 93 years. We will continue the fight and send our condolences to his family who had to endure this attack."

Councilwoman Debra Stark said she was disgusted by the hackers' behavior and apologized to Goode's family for the interruption.

“I am disgusted by the despicable, racist behavior of whoever hacked the memorial service of former Phoenix Councilman Calvin C. Goode," she said in a statement. "I am deeply sorry Mr. Goode’s family experienced this. We condemn these acts of hate."

Sgt. Margaret Cox, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department, confirmed it would be leading the investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to call Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS or (480) TESTIGO.

"This type of language and disruption is unacceptable and only divides our community," Cox said. "We are committed to working with our community in identifying the person(s) responsible for this act."

Goode spent his time on the city council fighting to improve the quality of life in Phoenix for low-income Black residents. He retired in 1994, but continued advocating for equal opportunity, affordable housing and education through multiple organizations, including the Eastlake Neighborhood Association and the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

Next week, the city will celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday with a virtual award ceremony honoring the newest honoree of the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.