This 90-foot mural was the first of three created in the summer of 2020. Each letter was assigned to a different artist who gave their personal story about what Black Lives Matter means to them. Richmond, the artist in charge said, “Black Lives Matter murals are a sign of protest, to show that when we’re not here peacefully protesting, we’ll be back,” The goal of this mural was to bring everyone together and make aware of some of the issues that most of society is facing. “Bloomfield is a majority Black town, so this is more a message of solidarity and empathy. We do not have to protest in this town. But we are aware of what is happening elsewhere,” said Richmond.
This city-approved mural still stands today.
Researched by Maddy SwartzmillerThere are two other Black Lives Matter street murals around the city of Bloomington that have been painted by different artists. Although these murals are not directed at any specific event in the Bloomington community, they are meant to contribute to the discussion on police brutality and racial inequality in the United States justice system. The local advisory council is thrilled to be involved with local artists focused on racial justice. According to the head of the local advisory council, “When we started this journey, we were mourning the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Now, we watch anxiously as the Chauvin trial is underway; and as if this isn’t enough, we are now grieving the loss of Daunte Wright. Coming together as a community to paint this mural is a powerful action that will also bring a bit of the consolation that we all need.”3 Overall, this street mural is a testament to the changing perceptions of race, authority, and discrimination in America and the importance of artists being activists.
Sources
“Black Lives Matter Street Mural, Bloomington, In.” George Floyd & Anti-Racist Street Art, https://georgefloydstreetart.omeka.net/items/show/3527.