WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The Black Lives Matter Plaza and mural are significant and meaningful parts of D.C. to both residents and tourists, which is why some people say they are unhappy about the recent decision to redesign and rename it.
The announcement comes as Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) introduced new legislation Monday that would withhold federal funding from the city until D.C. removed the mural and renamed it Liberty Plaza.
In a press release regarding the legislation, Clyde said, “Our capital city must serve as a beacon of freedom, patriotism, and safety — not wokeness, divisiveness, and lawlessness.”
In a statement Tuesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said her focus remains on the impacts of the federal job cuts, writing that the city “can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” even though the mural “inspired millions of people” and got D.C. through “a very painful period.”
Bowser added that the plaza will be part of the 250 mural project, where students and artists will create new murals across all eight wards.
The plaza and mural were initially designed in 2020 amid protests over the murder of George Floyd. To some, it’s a meaningful part of history they don’t want to see go.
“Insulting, disrespectful. Where’s the love? Where’s the unity?” said resident Giselle Morch in response to the announcement. “To bully the D.C. Government into, if you don’t change the name, I’m not giving you any money. What type of petty stuff is that?”
For many, the mural symbolizes hope.
“It [Black Lives Matter Plaza and mural] gives us hope. When we’re living in a culture where there’s no hope, where there is fear, that gives us hope, that shows us respect, and it’s showing the world not just here in D.C. but the world as well that Black Lives Matter,” Morch added.
Morch was not the only one outraged about Bowser’s decision to rename and redesign the Plaza.
“I think that’s a horrible monstrosity,” said resident Mave, in response.
It’s not clear what the timeline is for the changes coming to the plaza.
