Kentucky Tattoo Parlor Swamped With Customers For Offering Free Cover Up Of Hate-Related Symbols

Business has been picking up for a tattoo parlor based in Murray, Kentucky, after it offered a cover-up service of hate-related, racist, or gang symbols -- for free!

In a post on Facebook last June 8, Gallery X Art Collective's owners posted the "offer to change your future in becoming a better person," with a promise that their tattoo artists -- Ryun King and Jeremiah Swift –- will not ask any questions about the hate-related image. They will, however, decide the design to be used as a cover-up.

"We have plenty of pre-drawn designs and flash books, so if you feel it’s time to change your hate, or have been reformed but been too broke to cover your mistake of a tattoo, come see me you’ll get a class tattoo for free that can start your path to being the person you were meant to be,” the offer stated.

Since posting the free service, Jay Harvill, the owner of the studio, revealed that they've been swamped with customers. ABC News reported that the shop has more than 500 requests, and Harvill is still figuring out how to accommodate every customer amid the coronavirus restrictions.

Jennifer Tucker got a Confederate flag tattoo on her ankle at 18 years old. Now 36 and a mom of two, Tucker was one of the first customers who took up Gallery X Art Collective's offer.

She told CNN that she came from a high school and a community that didn't have any black person or family when she was growing up. However, she has been involved with movements, including racial injustice protests, when she left her hometown several years ago.

Tucker said she wanted the "symbol of hatred off of my body" because it could make meeting new friends difficult. Gallery X Art Collective covered up the Confederate flag tattoo with a cartoon character.

Meanwhile, Swift said that doing tattoos is the only platform he knows, but he, King, and Harvill wanted to help out amid the wave of protests over racial injustice and police brutality since the end of May.

Harvill described Swift and King as artists with huge hearts who wanted to give back to the community and spread the message of love, equality, and positivity.