In 2020, following a summer of significant protests across U.S. cities, the phrase "Black Lives Matter" transitioned from being a grassroots rallying cry for racial justice to a prominent visual symbol, with the words painted on streets where protests took place. This surge in visibility was sparked by the high-profile killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, which galvanized nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism.
Five years later, while many murals continue to be maintained by community groups and activists, some have faced deterioration, vandalism, or construction-related damage. The original mural, a striking display of 35-foot-tall yellow letters located just a block from the White House, has since been removed, a decision made by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in March under pressure from the Republican-led Congress. Bowser reflected that the mural served as a powerful emblem of defiance during Trump's presidency and contributed to the city’s enduring legacy through a tumultuous period.
Keyonna Jones, one of the artists behind the Black Lives Matter Plaza, expressed understanding for Bowser's decision, asserting that the mural's removal does not diminish its historical significance. Jones emphasized the monument's impact, highlighting how its replication across the globe exemplifies the transformative power of art during moments of social upheaval.
As reported by Urban Art Mapping, nearly 150 "Black Lives Matter" murals persist in various communities, each serving as a testament to collective cultural and political sentiments. Lindsey Owen, an art historian in Chicago, noted that despite the dismantling of BLM Plaza, the interconnectedness of these murals ensures their continued relevance, often marking spaces that are no longer visible.
The following are notable murals across different states: In Alabama, Hobson City, the first all-Black municipality, saw residents, including Mayor Alberta McCrory, paint "Black Towns Matter" on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Montgomery also hosted a temporary mural around a historic slave market site, created by artist Michelle Browder to resonate with local racial equity discussions.
In California, downtown Oakland displayed "Black Lives Matter" across three blocks, complemented by a mural honoring Black Trans and Queer Lives created by The Queer Healing Arts Center. Berkeley's city council additionally approved a mural at city hall, while Los Angeles showcased a rainbow-colored piece on Hollywood Boulevard proclaiming "All Black Lives Matter." Artist Luckie Alexander reflected on its significance in today's cultural landscape.
Connecticut's Hartford community painted a "Black Lives Matter" mural on Trinity Street, close to the state Capitol. Following acts of vandalism, the mural was restored in 2023, representing the city's commitment to racial justice. In St. Petersburg, Florida, a mural was repainted to read "Black History Matters," showing a shift in focus within the movement.
In Illinois, one of Chicago's murals was vandalized but restored to convey its original message. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, the city where George Floyd was killed, 16 artists collaborated to create a 24-foot-high "Black Lives Matter" mural outside the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum. Kansas City produced a series of six murals covering a significant stretch of street, although some are currently deteriorating.
In New Jersey, a sizable mural took two weeks to complete, while in New York City, various locations, including a piece in front of Trump Tower, faced vandalism from opposing activists. In Texas, Dallas saw the emergence of six murals, with ongoing efforts to maintain them for a decade through local health organization Abounding Prosperity, Inc.
Lastly, in Seattle, a permanent mural was installed in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, with annual repainting and maintenance efforts undertaken by the Vivid Matter Collective. A second mural outside Seattle City Hall underscores the city's engagement in ongoing dialogues about racial justice and community solidarity.
