Across the US the yellow Black Lives Matter murals have become an iconic scene after the first one was painted by a team of artists and volunteers in Washington D.C in early June. Mayor Muriel Bowser renamed the stretch that the mural was painted on which sits directly in front of the White House “Black Lives Matter Plaza”. Since then other cities and state figures have taken inspiration from Washington and displayed their individual takes on the murals in New York, Texas, North Carolina, and the famous Hollywood boulevard.
The California boulevard that is dotted with plaques from award-winning stars and celebrities will now feature a permanent installation of the mural, a decision announced by Councilman Mitch O’Farrell. The permanent mural will be in keeping with the original colour scheme and message— one of support not only for the Black community but also for transgender people of colour.
It features both the transgender flag (blue, pink, and white) and the LGBTQ+ flag (rainbow colours) and as O’Farrell stated the location of the mural is so important as it is “the site of the first nationally recognized Gay Pride Parade in the nation, Hollywood must be and will be the safe space designated for this landmark distinction.” Particularly as this year transgender people of colour have faced more challenges and are more likely to be physically attacked according to the National Centre for Transgender Equality.
The artist behind the mural, Luckie Alexander, described the decision to make his art permanent: “extremely emotional for me as a Black transman. This is something that will let our Black LGBTQ+ community, especially our Black trans siblings know they are seen, valid and valued.”
To commemorate the installation the road was closed off to host a march that was attended by 40,000 people. As some places like D.C. and Hollywood have made the murals permanent, it is important that the support and action stated in the mural becomes permanent too.
