By Katherine Tinsley
12:13pm PST, Mar 6, 2025
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After
George Floyd was murdered in 2020, D.C. decided to pay homage to the Black Lives Matter movement — which stands against police brutality and racially motivated violence against Black people — by painting the words across a two-block-long section of 16th Street.
"The mural inspired millions and helped our city through a very painful period," Bowser said in a statement.
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Despite the city's intentions, there has been a rising demand to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The change could be linked to the cultural shift.
"We can't afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference. The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern," Bowser shared, according to Fox 5. "Our focus is on economic growth, public safety, and supporting our residents affected by these cuts."
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The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Ayọ Tometi.
"When we created Black Lives Matter Plaza in June 2020, we sent a strong message that Black Lives Matter, and that power has always been and always will be with well-meaning people," Bowser said in 2021.
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Bowser addressed the city's plans for the mural after Georgia representative Andrew Clyde introduced a bill to remove "Black Lives Matter" from the street.
If the bill passes, the street will restore its previous name: Liberty Plaza.
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Late civil rights leader John Lewis was able to see the installation before he died in 2020.
"We have transformed the mural into a monument," Bowser said. "One of my proudest memories of Black Lives Matter Plaza is when, in his final days, Congressman John Lewis came to see it for himself."
"He recognized Black Lives Matter Plaza as good trouble, and we know it will remain a gathering place for reflection, planning and action, as we work toward a more perfect union," she added.
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Lewis made one of his final public outings to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza. As a historic activist and politician, Lewis was moved by the outpouring of support Floyd received.
"You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society," Lewis wrote in an essay published in The New York Times. "Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division."
