Rainbows
Rock
Who says you shouldn’t throw stones? By Daniel Israel Photos courtesy of City Hall
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ear, anxiety, despair, and gloom are just some of the emotions that the COVID-19 pandemic has engendered in the U.S. and around the world. However, some Hudson County locals have been working to spark joy and give fellow residents a smile. Rainbows Over Bayonne has been a sensation since the onset of the pandemic, in the city and online. Rainbow-painted rocks, sidewalk chalk messages of hope, and rainbow pictures are among the
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uplifting creations, anonymously bestowed. In the fall, the combination of a deadly pandemic and an incredibly divisive election season made rainbow rocks and encouraging messages more important than ever.
BAYONNE ROCKS Many residents have received rocks painted with rainbows and the words “Rainbows over Bayonne.” Some folks have been paying it forward by painting and anonymously gifting their own rainbow rocks. According to social media posts, the rocks are secretly left on porches or steps for residents to happily discover.
Mayor James Davis, who received a rainbow rock, said, “I truly love this city! Jamie and I keep finding these rocks, and they make us so happy and proud!” The Rainbows Over Bayonne slogan has adorned sidewalks in an array of bright colors with positive messages. “Thank you, postal and delivery workers” is a message left in front of one of the local post offices. “Smile,” read another message on another sidewalk. The chalk message on the sidewalk in front of RWJBarnabas Health at Bayonne on 24th and Broadway, read, “Heroes work here.”
VIRTUAL VIBES Rainbows Over Bayonne is more of a loose movement than an organized group. It has an online presence that promotes happiness and positive vibes. Its Facebook page was started in March by Jaime Lynn. Since its founding, more than 1,500 members have joined the group.
