Local government crews in Washington started removing the Black Lives Matter mural painted near the White House in June 2020, amidst political pressure. The mural was significant in memorializing the protests following George Floyd's murder but is now being removed as part of a city initiative aligned with the nation's 250th birthday. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser cited economic priorities and a long-considered plan for redesigning the plaza, although she did not explicitly link the removal to political threats from Congress regarding federal funding.
The mural, spelling BLACK LIVES MATTER in bright yellow letters, covered two blocks of 16th Street NW and was painted in June 2020 during nationwide protests.
Ms. Bowser said that while the mural was a significant part of the city's history, our focus is on making sure our residents and our economy survive.
The removal came shortly after Rep. Andrew Clyde introduced legislation threatening to withhold federal funding unless the mural was removed and the plaza renamed.
Bowser stated that the decision to remove the mural had been made for some time, with plans for a redesign in connection with the country's 250th birthday.
Collection
[
|
...
]