This mural was sanctioned. The idea for the mural was brought to the city council in June but wasn’t approved until November 9th. Originally, the artists wanted the mural to say, “Black Lives Do Matter”, but the council approved “Unite Against Racism” instead. This mural was created by 24 different artists and volunteers. Local high school art teacher Randall Leach was one of the leaders of the project. He says “This is not the end. It’s not the end. This is what we can do now. We need to come to the table and have conversations to discuss what we can do to make this place better for all people”.
This mural was paved over starting on April 12, 2021. This construction was planned prior to the creation of the mural. A city council member said that this mural is only temporary, much like other murals across the state and country similar to this one. Although this mural may have been temporary, it had a large impact on the community.
Sources:
https://www.witn.com/2020/12/19/unite-against-racism-mural-in-greenville-ready-for-viewing/
https://www.wnct.com/local-news/greenville/unite-against-racism-mural-in-uptown-greenville/
https://greenvillenc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1694/66
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article247095722.html
http://www.piratemedia1.com/theeastcarolinian/article_e6aa9be4-9b92-11eb-82f9-7b392cb2abda.html
Researched by the Urban Art Mapping TeamThe city of Greensboro, and the site of the mural in particular, is linked with historical struggles for civil rights. The mural is located across the street from the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, formerly a Woolworth’s that was the site of sit-in protests against racial segregation beginning on February 1st, 1960, and becoming a landmark of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. While Elm Street is now open to traffic, the mural still exists and can be seen on the street as of January 2023, according to Google Maps.
Researched by Michael Francomb
Sources:
“Artists Finish Black Lives Matter Mural in Downtown Greensboro.” Artists Finish Black Lives Matter Mural in Greensboro, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2020/06/28/artists-finish-black-lives-matter-mural-in-downtown-greensboro.
Author: Terrence Jefferies (WFMY News 2). “New Black Lives Matter Mural to Be Painted in Downtown Greensboro.” wfmynews2.Com, 28 June 2020, https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/parts-of-elm-street-temporarily-close-for-black-lives-matter-mural-in-downtown-greensboro/83-2d89c751-9473-46ae-851f-f933e8460ae7.
“Greensboro, NC.” City News, https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/14885/.
Staff. “Gallery: Greensboro's #BLM Street Mural.” Triad City Beat, 31 Dec. 2021, https://triad-city-beat.com/gallery-greensboros-blm-street-mural/.
Street Mural Program Update - Greensboro-Nc.gov. https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/45973/637347253887300000.
Twitter @IMcMillerNews: https://twitter.com/IMcMillerNews/status/1276997573652381698?s=20
Twitter @WXII: https://twitter.com/wxii/status/1272276730405957633