City workers in Washington, DC, have begun removing the iconic Black Lives Matter mural as part of a transformation project to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza into Liberty Plaza. The removal process started on Monday, March 10, and is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete.
The mural, painted initially in bold yellow letters across two city blocks on 16th Street, became a symbol of unity against racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The area near the White House was officially designated as Black Lives Matter Plaza later that year, serving as a powerful reminder of the nationwide protests against racial injustice.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the mural’s removal on her X account, stating that it is part of the America 250 mural project, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. The mural had previously been removed in 2021 for a construction project but was quickly repainted.
The decision to remove the mural comes amid pressure from President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers. Last week, Republican Representative Andrew Clyde introduced legislation that sought to withhold federal funding from Washington, DC, until the mural was taken down. Despite this, Mayor Bowser emphasized that the removal was a city decision and dismissed congressional influence as “meaningless interference.”
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) confirmed that the project will take up to eight weeks and assured the public that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. “DDOT will closely coordinate with local stakeholders to ensure a smooth process, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work to enhance this important corridor,” the agency stated in a press release.
While the mural’s removal marks a significant shift for the area, its legacy as a symbol of resistance and solidarity remains deeply embedded in the city’s history.