Why DC is removing its ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural

• The removal of the Black Lives Matter Plaza street mural in Washington, D.C., began Monday, March 10. The move comes after a Republican House bill called for withholding federal funds from Washington D.C. unless it removed the mural and renamed the location “Liberty Plaza.”
• U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde introduced the legislation, which orders the city to paint over the mural and rename the area or risk losing federal funds.
• Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the renaming and painting of the intersection as Black Lives Matter Plaza in June 2020.

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The removal of the “Black Lives Matter” street mural in Washington D.C., installed in 2020 to commemorate the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, began Monday, March 10.

Who’s behind the mural’s removal?

A Republican House bill proposed withholding federal funds from Washington D.C. unless it removed the mural and renamed the location to “Liberty Plaza.”

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., introduced the legislation, ordering the city to paint over the mural and rename the area or risk losing federal funds.

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How have local residents responded?

Keyonna Jones, one of the seven artists who painted the plaza, expressed her understanding of the ultimatum faced by Washington D.C. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, but she remains proud of the artwork she helped create.

“I recognize what the mayor has in front of her, and she has a big choice. She has priorities,” Jones said.

“It’s an honor. I’m a native here and raised in D.C.,” Jones added. “So, to be able to put my mark on the ground, especially being a woman, being black and having a voice. I always say that art is one of those universal languages that you don’t need words for, and so, it was a true honor to be a part of it.”

When did DC rename the area and paint the mural?

Bowser ordered the renaming of a symbolic two-block stretch of 16th Street NW near the White House and the painting of the intersection as Black Lives Matter Plaza in June 2020.

The announcement followed the killing of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the protests that ensued.

Some bystanders took pictures of the mural Monday before its demolition.

“It makes me feel empowered,” Stephanie Carey of Maryland said. “It makes me feel represented. It makes me feel like I belong here. So, that’s why this being painted over doesn’t feel right at all. Because now I feel I’m being pushed out and being forced to accept something like that just doesn’t feel natural.”

How has Bowser responded?

Bowser posted on X to explain her decision to comply with calls to dismantle the mural on March 4.

“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period,” Bowser wrote. “But now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference.”

However, she said she does not support the bill requiring the removal of the mural and the renaming of the plaza.

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How have supporters of the change responded?

While some condemned the removal, conservative voices welcomed the change.

Libs of TikTok, an X account run by conservative influencer Chaya Raichik, posted, “The world is healing.”

Others called the artwork “divisive,” and some said it should be renamed to something “inclusive for everyone.”

Pro-Trump influencer Jaimee Mitchell also celebrated the move, writing on X, “Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington D.C. is being dismantled as we speak! And yes, before anyone asks, I voted for this.