Each of the letters is created by different artists.
#: Jarrod Dortch
B: Nathaniel Rhodes
L: Rebecca Robinson
A: Amiah Mims
C: Billy Hoodoo
K: Kevin West
L: John G. Moore, Jr.
I: Gary Gee
V: Deonna Craig
E: Rae Parker
S: Ess McKee
M: Wavy Blayne
A: Harriet Watson
T: Shane Young
T: Israel Solomon
E: Shamira Wilson
R: Ashley Nora
Fist: Kenneth Hordge]]>
The “#BLACKLIVESMATTER✊🏿” street mural in Indianapolis, Indiana is painted onto Indiana Avenue, one of the city’s most influential locations and the epicenter of Black culture in the city. Created in August of 2020, the mural was created in response to BLM protests was organized by the group Indy10, and was funded by local organizations like the Indianapolis Urban League. Indianapolis City Council members approved the mural and the organizations selected 18 black artists to construct the mural. The 18 characters in the mural were all designed by different artists.  

Starting from the hashtag, the artists that created the mural are Jarrod Dortch, Nathaniel Rhodes, Rebecca Robinson, Amiah Mims, Billy Hoodoo, Kevin West, John G. Moore, Jr., Gary Gee, Deonna Craig, Rae Parker, Ess McKee, Wavy Blayne, Harriet Watson, Shane Young, Israel Solomon, Shamira Wilson, Ashley Nora, and Kenneth Hordge. Together, these 18 artists put their own style of street art into the mural which blends the unique culture into a meaningful portrayal of activism.  

Although each letter displays the artist’s style, they all have some similarities in that they are full of color and consist of sharp geometric shapes. Inside these letters, messages can be found that the artists wanted to announce to the community such as depictions of Michael Taylor, an Indianapolis teenager killed by police in 1987, and “VOTE.” Some artists decided to be more abstract but still included African symbolism that honored their heritage and culture. This mural’s creation followed weeks of protests in Indianapolis following both the murder of George Floyd, as well as the killing of Dreasjon Reed by IMPD, according to IndyStar.  

After 15 months of being visible on Indiana Avenue, the road that it was painted on was set to be paved over as Indianapolis planned construction for a 2-mile span that included the mural. City officials let each of the artists and close friends spend time with the mural before paving over the road. Additionally, they cut out a square foot of pavement in each character to let the artists keep.  

While still in existence, the mural was defaced a few times. Vandalism of the mural occurred during the night and splashes of white and gray paint covered the entirety of the mural. Although still legible, the mural was tarnished.  

Sources:  

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2021/05/28/indianapolis-riots-and-protests-looking-back-one-year-later/7478725002/ 

https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2021/10/28/indianapolis-black-lives-matter-mural-what-happen-after-repaving/8569235002/  

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2020/08/09/downtown-indianapolis-black-lives-matter-mural-defaced/3329893001/ 

Researched by Matt Becker

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News Coverage by Indy Star, WRTV, Wish TV, and Indiana University]]>
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Stephen Larrick, Black Lives Matter Street Mural Census]]>

The mural was proposed and developed by the Banneker Community Center Advisory Council (BCCAC), a resident-led board that reports to the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Both Black Lives Matter murals have been approved by the Board of Parks Commissioners, Bloomington Arts Commission, City Council via resolution, and the Board of Public Works.]]>
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The lead artists on the project were Raheem Elmore and Christina Elem. Elmore is working on a dual doctorate in English and African American and African diaspora studies at Indiana University. Elem is graduating from IU this year and taking a job with the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation.]]>
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Stephen Larrick, Black Lives Matter Street Mural Census]]>

Tiera Howleit, an IU student who founded Black Collegians, worked with fellow student Joa'Quinn Griffin and artists Katie Scott, Olivia Roath, and Ronny Booker to bring an all-inclusive Black Lives Matter mural to IU Bloomington's campus.]]>
This street mural was sanctioned by Banneker Community Center’s advisory council in Bloomington, Indiana. It was organized by the city and painted by Raheem Elmore and Christina Elem, who are local artists from the area. The painting was done by the artists in tandem with volunteers in the community. The mural still exists and has not been vandalized, but it has been controversial. The right-wing group Turning Point USA brought litigation against the city of Bloomington, claiming that by denying its application for an “All Lives Matter” mural, the city denied the group’s First Amendment rights.1 However, the case was unsuccessful after the city adjusted its policies on the approval process involved for a mural to be produced. The community is very proud of the mural and, according to the mayor of Bloomington, “putting the words Black Lives Matter at the heart of our downtown matches up with values at the heart of this community:  equity, inclusion, and justice. The words on the street will serve as a constant reminder to combat the persistence of racism and discrimination in Bloomington and beyond.”2  

There 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.  

  1. Smith, Rachel. “Free Speech Lawsuit Spawns New Bloomington City Policy, Leads to More Criticism.” Times, The Herald-Times, 12 Jan. 2023, https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2023/01/12/bloomington-limits-speech-in-art-installations-in-public-right-of-way/69765308007/.  
  2. “City's Second Black Lives Matter Mural to Be Installed on Downtown Square.” Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, https://www.chamberbloomington.org/member-news/citys-second-black-lives-matter-mural-to-be-installed-on-downtown-square.  
  3. “City's Second Black Lives Matter Mural to Be Installed on Downtown Square.” City of Bloomington, https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2021/04/14/4818. 
Researched by Ian Boyles

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News Coverage by The Herald Times and Indiana University

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