In conjunction with the university’s Black Student Alliance, they determined the school did need the COVID testing space, but at the same time, they wanted to speak out against racial injustice that has been an ongoing issue for many years in this country. The artists of this 114-foot-long mural consisted of 36 students at Eastern Mennonite University, whose initials are painted on the side. The mural was initially outlined in chalk during the week, but that same weekend was painted again using road paint to prevent fading, and the following Monday there was a dedication ceremony. This mural was sanctioned by the university. The Black Student Alliance and the university both acknowledge that racial injustice is something they do not support in any way. With the hope that their artwork will make a lasting impact, the university noted that this will be a permanent fixture at Eastern Mennonite.
Sources
Hood, John. “Black Lives Matter Mural Created at Eastern Mennonite University.” Https://Www.nbc29.Com, https://www.nbc29.com/2020/09/23/black-lives-matter-mural-created-eastern-mennonite-university/.
Jefferson, Lauren. “Black Student Alliance Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Black Lives Matter Mural.” EMU News, 30 Sept. 2020, https://emu.edu/now/news/2020/black-student-alliance-hosts-dedication-ceremony-for-black-lives-matter-mural/.
Researched by Taylor RauIn October 2020, about a month after the mural was finished, Mayor Stephen J. Wukela of Florence, South Carolina ordered that the mural was to be removed. The mural was approved by the city and one of the terms of agreement was that the paint used for the mural was supposed to be biodegradable, and would have washed away in a normal rain cycle. Instead, the painters used permanent paint. The mural was also vandalized with racist messages which also played a factor in having the mural removed. The mayor said “I am deeply disturbed by the racially motivated vandalism of this piece of art… I am also disappointed in the organizer’s failure to comply with the terms of the authorization for which they applied. In any event, given that the mural has been defaced and that it is in violation of the city authorization, the city will be forced to remove the mural” (WMBF News).
The mural was originally going to be painted on Pine Street, but the process to get the mural approved on a state street was too complicated. Because Barnes Street was a city street and not heavily traveled on holiday weekends, it was easily approved. The mural came about due to the events that occurred in the summer of 2020, such as the death of George Floyd and many BLM protests around the country. Vice president Damien Douglas of Making a Difference, the charity group that donated supplies for the mural, said “Just because things going on around the world didn’t happen here, doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect us all” (U.S. News).
Sources
Accettulla, Kevin. “City of Florence to Remove Black Lives Matter Mural.” WBTW, WBTW, 23 Oct. 2020, https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/florence-black-lives-matter-mural-to-be-removed/.
Robertson, Mathew. “South Carolina Community Paints Black Lives Matter Mural.” U.S. News, 14 Sept. 2020, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2020-09-14/south-carolina-community-paints-black-lives-matter-mural.
Staff, WMBF News. “'Black Lives Matter' Mural in Florence to Be Removed, Mayor Says.” Https://Www.wmbfnews.com, 22 Oct. 2020, https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/10/22/black-lives-matter-mural-florence-removed-mayor-says/.
Researched by the Urban Art Mapping TeamThe mural has been met with a positive response from the community, with many taking to social media to express their appreciation for the artwork. It has been widely shared and has become a popular destination for those wishing to pay tribute to the mural, with many taking photos in front of it. The mural still stands representing black excellence, and it has not been vandalized but has been amended to include the names of people who lost their lives to police brutality or have etched their names in history through their achievements.
The mural was created as a way to celebrate Black excellence to serve as a reminder of the strength of the Black community and to evoke feelings of joy and pride. It features portraits of Black celebrities such as Halle Berry and LeBron James and the names of people who died due to police brutality. The mural includes the words “Tiger Nation” and the logos of the City of Cleveland Heights and community group Safer Heights, and still stands representing the black excellence. It has become a place to pay homage to the lives of those who have been lost, while also celebrating the accomplishments of those who continue to make a lasting impact.
Sources: