Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser made headlines last week after she renamed the intersection at H and 16th streets “Black Lives Matter Plaza” and commissioned artists to paint the words in big, yellow letters on the pavement.
Although some criticized the move as a symbolic gesture lacking legitimate action, the initiative has inspired similar street painting initiatives in cities across the country. “Black Lives Matter” is appearing on streets from Oakland, CA to Charlotte, NC, Albany, NY, and Dallas, TX.
In Oakland, hundreds gathered for the painting party, complete with live DJs, and added the large yellow lettering to three blocks along Oakland’s 15th Street.
In Charlotte, NC, each letter was painted by a different artist along South Tyron Street. Lark Street in Albany, NY features a yellow banner similar to the one in DC, which was painted by the group “In Our Own Voices.”
Other street paintings can be found in Berkeley, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, Sacramento, CA, and Syracuse, NY. And the list is growing. If you live in one of these cities, we encourage you to go check it out with your own eyes. If not, check out the link below for images of all the paintings and keep an eye out. One may appear in your city shortly as the movement spreads.
