Page 30 - Paths to Change

About the Text This visual text is a still shot taken from a video showing the Black Lives Matter street mural that was painted on 16th Street NW in Washington, D.C. during the early morning hours of June 5, 2020. The art, which stretches two blocks between K and H streets, was created to honor demonstrators who have been protesting for changes in police practices after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. 16th Street NW is a historic street that is directly north of the White House. The street was renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza NW by the city’s mayor, Muriel E. Bowser, on June 5, 2020. Criticism of the grand display of support for The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement included questioning of the D.C. mayor’s intended action beyond simply renaming the street and allowing a mural to be painted. Mayor Bowser’s 2020-2021 budget calls for an increase in funding for traditional policing and a reduction in intervention programs, both of which conflict starkly with the goals of the BLM movement. The D.C. Council introduced proposals to overhaul policing to increase accountability, but at the time of the street renaming, Mayor Bowser indicated she had not yet reviewed them, causing further question as to whether the mayor was truly invested in increasing oversight of the local police. Student Questions & Sample Responses 1. What is the overall message of this street mural? Consider the art itself, the words it contains, and its location. As with most art, there are many messages imbedded in this mural. The location and placement of the mural is a large part of its message. Selecting a famous promenade that leads straight to the White House where Republican President Donald Trump resides sends the message that, despite his divisive messaging, Black Americans will not be silenced. The painting of the mural in the street reminds all Americans of the number of Black lives that have fallen in streets across the country at the hands of the police, particularly that of George Floyd as the viral video showed him being murdered in the street as a police officer kneeled on his neck. The color of the work sends a message as well. Finally, the words ‘Black Lives Matter’ sends a message of support for the BLM movement specifically, but also for Black Americans and the injustices they face through systemic racism present in many layers of our society. Text 5: BLM Plaza Photograph Educator Guide The Black Inquiry Project 29