(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Muriel Bowser’s Official Twitter Account)
Washington—To honor the George Floyd demonstrators who were peacefully protesting in front of White House on Monday evening, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had “Black Lives Matter” painted in yellow letters on the now-infamous street that leads to the White House.
According to various reports, muralists was seen painting 50-foot-wide yellow letters that read “BLACK LIVES MATTER” since 3a.m. on Friday morning on a section of 16th Street that is located in front of Lafayette Park. Lafayette Park is just on the north side of the White House. Reportedly, the “lettering is so large that the message stretches onto two city blocks and can only be fit into a single photo frame from high above.” A bright yellow Washington, D.C. flag was added to complete the mural.
#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/OQg6977n5r
— Muriel Bowser #StayHomeDC (@MurielBowser) June 5, 2020
Mayor Bowser’s Chief of Staff John Falcicchio said of the project through a tweet, “There was a dispute this week about whose street this is. Mayor Bowser wanted to make it abundantly clear that this is DC’s street and to honor demonstrators who (were) peacefully protesting on Monday evening.”
Mayor Bowser had also previously sent Trump a letter requesting the withdrawal of “all extraordinary federal law enforcement and military presence from Washington, D.C.” because she had already “ended the state of emergency in the District of Columbia related to demonstrations.”
I request that @realDonaldTrump withdraw all extraordinary federal law enforcement and military presence from our city. pic.twitter.com/AvaJfQ0mxP
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 5, 2020
The street had not only been painted with a mural but it had also been officially renamed as “Black Lives Matter Plaza,” the mayor said in a separate tweet.
The section of 16th street in front of the White House is now officially “Black Lives Matter Plaza”. pic.twitter.com/bbJgAYE35b
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 5, 2020
The aforementioned site of the mural is known to many today as the place in DC where a week-long protest against racism and police violence was held following the death of George Floyd. The demonstrations culminated in a clash with police enforcement who “used tear gas to clear protesters from Trump’s way as he visited a nearby church,” the historic St John’s Church, “for a photo.”
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/3z2TlI9g3nE” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
A separate report says that a lawsuit was filed against the administration of US President Donald Trump by the “ACLU of DC, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm of Arnold & Porter.” It was filed on “behalf of the group Black Lives Matter DC and individual protesters who were present.” The lawsuit argues that “Trump, Barr and other officials ‘unlawfully conspired to violate’ the protesters’ rights when clearing Lafayette Park on Monday.”
The George Floyd protests are an ongoing series of protests and riots against the death of George Floyd, racism, and police brutality in the United States and in other parts of the world namely: Auckland, Barcelona, Berlin, Brisbane, Calgary, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, London, Montreal, Paris, Perth, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Vienna, Athens, and Thessaloniki.
Said protests was sparked by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who died during a police arrest on Minneapolis last May 25, 2020. The arresting officer named Derek Chauvin kneeled on a handcuffed and unarmed Mr. Floyd’s neck as he was pinned chest down to the ground. Mr. Floyd pleaded repeatedly, saying, “Please,” “I can’t breathe,” “Mama,” “Don’t kill me,” and “I’m about to die.” Chauvin kept his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for three full minutes after he stopped moving and nearly two minutes after he apparently ceased to breathe or speak. You can read the story in full here.
Adam4Adam extends its support to the Black Lives Matter movement by celebrating and highlighting the lives of important Black LGBTQ people and allies in our community here on the A4A blog. The Adam4Adam community had also recently raised funds together amounting to $10,000 for the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), an organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.
As an Addendum:
All Lives Matter!
Either it is all or it is none…can’t have it any other way…if you believe God made us all…than God made everyone…regardless of the outside packaging.
All For One; One For All!
I don’t understand white people saying all lives matter. The movement going on right now is NOT about white privileged people. It’s about black people. So when you say all lives matter, YES they do, we dont say the contrary, but RIGHT NOW its about justice and equality for black people!
There are two black demographics that BLM ignores. Black on Black violence and the genocide of black babies by Planned Parenthood. Read what Margret Sanger thought about black people. They still don’t disavow her .So in essence, BLM is about some Black lives matter and not ALL black lives matter.
They’re not ignoring it, they understand, “cause and affect” as it pertains to Buddhism. The affects of slavery=poverty which is the most horrible kind of violence because it affects all aspects of life.
Like I told someone else on here “liberal queer” the affects of Colonialism, is what you’re referring to; is clearly ongoing in more ways than one, see. Mentally, physically, Spiritually, in every facet of one’s being.
This particular blog is about black lives matters. It’s not about black on black crime or abortions. The empathis right now is black men being abused and killed by policemen. It must stop!!!!!! Being you brought up Black on black crime: Black on Black crime in Chicago is treated the same as white on white crime in Utah. The person that commits the crime will have to face our judiciary system like it’s always been. If the person is found guilty, then punishment will be rendered like it’s been in every state for years and years. Abortions, I honestly don’t… Read more »
This movement is to push and create equality for the black race, as most blacks have not been given a fair chance throughout history. Still today it goes on. Blacks are still distrusted, considered lazy, and view by many whites as being criminals in one way or another. I see nothing wrong with the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Sure all lives matter true, but lets think about all the negative situations that whites have pushed black people into, just because of the color of their skin. BTW, in case your wondering I am white, (as if that matters). I work… Read more »
yes!
I’ve always had really cool-fun friends like ‘you’ throughout my childhood in school. It’s not till after you’re childhood/s for the most part, the racial programming takes affect, some people “buy it to it” as a way of life and others resist. I’m sure, people find significant self-worth in it, there are monetary rewards, etc., in it for them, it’s a lottery being born white, being hetero (bonus) points. It takes away, from intrinsic values or good character building, “I don’t have to, I’m white” kinds of attitudes. Meanwhile, those of us; black people are knocking themselves out tryin’… Read more »
If you don’t want to be treated differently then stop identifying yourself that way. Our founding fathers knew this and it’s why Government shall make no law that recognizes Race , creed or color. Today that has been lost in a sea of Racial preferences iat school work and in the media.if you don’t want to be defined by your sexual orientation then stop identifying your self that way. What is so hard to understand about that!?
I wish I knew what you are talking about chainmale2. I have no problem with being African American, I take pride in personally. Now, on the side of the forefathers (white) the burden lies with them, as they do in their graves, just as it does with their predecessors this very day. As with my sexual orientation, I have a healthy respect for that too, as I came to the conclusion long ago, that “nature” chose/selected me, as one of the human beings that would not procreate. As a means of “natural-selection” I honestly believe, that nature knows… Read more »
That’s nice and all but honestly people just need to stop committing crimes & then starting altercations with the cops. Why is this so difficult for some people? It all starts with how we raise & educate our children. Cops are trained to be authoratative, forceful & to never let their guard down.. otherwise they will die. With this know it’s obviously not a good idea to give them a hard time. You go looking for trouble… you find trouble.
I thought the past President was not WHITE???
Ur right — He’s ORANGE!!
They have the right to vote same as all of us. Why do they keep voting for the same corrupt Democrats every election. No it’s not America to blame, it’s the people who are too stupid to change out the pandering hate mongers they keep voting for
All lives are not being killed by cops at a statistical rate of 3:1.
Look up the stats to see how many white men are shot to death by the cops a year. Both are unacceptable, however, there is a narrative that is not the reality.
Here here! As privileged white guy I can say “this is not my story”. The discrimination and bigotry I’ve faced as a gay man is nothing like the persistent and institutionalized double standards faced daily by people with skin darker than mine. And because it’s not the story of white people, it’s disingenuous for white people to create false moral equivalencies.
Don’t cheapen the gay struggle. I’d much rather be living the life today as a colored person rather than a homosexual one. Gay is not just an issue in America. It’s worldwide because we exist in every pocket of the world. Since recorded history never til recently have we been able to live our lives as we are without fear of discrimination of any sort. To this day we are suppressed, criminalized, and sometimes viciously murdered by other world governments, which doesn’t come nearly close to how we’re treated by the general public. We continue to experience a slow genocide… Read more »
I’m not cheapening “our” struggles, but I’m not willing to use the issue of police violence against people of color, and systemic racism as a platform for our story. LGBT rights are part of the bigger civil rights picture, but right now having cops kill black Americans at a rate nearly 3:1 of white Americans… well… that’s a story that needs to be told on its own. But yes, we’re watching the “swing to the right” unfold in front of our eyes. Martin Niemoller’s “first they came for the socialists…” comes to mind. If we don’t stand with our… Read more »
Unfortunately N.Z.H., you are part of the problem.
From Jared Price Twitter:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EZjRZn9U0AAM6R4?format=jpg&name=small
I too support All Lives Matter…sends a clear message that like you said we are all made from God…no race is better or above any other race. Black Lives Matter…sends a one sided message, which feeds into the cycle of ignorance and hate.
As a gay Black Man, You think Blacks get a fricking kick out of saying BLM, News Flash, We don’t. And if all lives matter why are blacks being killed by racist cops and getting away with it.
Apparently the concept of ‘all lives matter’ has not applied equally to swaths of US citizens in spite of the 14th Amendment.
Would you get out on the 4th of July screaming “All countries matter” ?
Would you go to an AIDS march with a “All illnesses matter” sign ?
In both cases, people would be … what’s wrong with this guy ? same goes with BLM.
don’t believe god made us. don’t believe god made anyone. haven’t the god people made it clear to you yet that you can not believe in god and be a part of the LGBTQ community?
All Lives Matter is a great GOAL, but it definitely isn’t the reality. If it was, we wouldn’t have a “justice” system that targets young black and brown men (and even boys). It’s really sickening. Targets can change too. Police could decide to set their sights on gay men next, and then what song will we sing?
can you please educate yourself on the subject?
thanks
Kevin!!! your post is Amazing and spoken like a thoughtful empathetic human being that REALLY gets it!…Amen!!!
Dave, I think you mis-read Kevin’s comment. He’s talking about a systemically racist system of INJUSTICE that has been designed in ways that introduce youth to the court/detention/jail industrial complex, and then tends to keep them there. Kevin is also saying to those who somehow feel above the fray, do not be smug or dismissive – things could easily go back to pre-Stonewall times for the LGBT community (and then get worse). We should not be complacent as fellow Americans are murdered by the very persons charged with protecting them. WE should be outraged that our taxes are used… Read more »
No I didn’t replied to the right comment, I’m sorry and apologized to Kevin!
Yes sorry Kevin, I replied to the wrong comment, I’m very sorry my man! I was angry at another poster, and instead I deleted his racist comment.
Nobody’s targeting people cause they’re black. Statistically more crimes are committed by blacks so it just looks that way. The solution is more that parents need to be more caring of their children’s behavior & performance in school. We need to guide our kids to a successful life.. one that does not encourage laziness and criminal activity. By all means, we must instill this in our children if we are to make a difference.
Much Ado About Nothing… as Washington D.C. has the largest % of Blacks of any city within The United States, at 68%. The murals will be painted over and forgotten. It is all “unbridled” rage with no lasting focus. Remember the “Million Man March” to Washington, in the 1990s? They came; they protested and they went home. All show but no impact…which we are having a repetition of the same thing, in 2020. Now as then, it is for all the wrong reason as protestation without a center and without tenacity…all goes by the waste side. Today, what really fuels… Read more »
Everything you said is just sickening. Racism is/has always been (a) focus in this country/world for that matter, as something to manage; the rage is always there within the country-just below the surface. The whole word has shown the impact this has made, I think it’s going to have a lasting impact for that very reason, as there’s every color/race in this country, increasingly. The guy posing as Pres., is orange not white lmao! The last Pres., we had, is the same color as the one’s whos hands, the white house was built by, that, is what the… Read more »
NZH, you’re on the wrong side of history on this one. I’ve been waiting a long time for white people to realize the injustices endured by black people and speak up. After reading your past A4A posts, I know exactly who you are and I pray for your enlightenment.
Luke2324:
What is sad is the truth I wrote.
It is a sad commentary about Race in this country as it is for us Gays and Transgendered. I wrote nothing wrong or sickening…except the truth.
The bitter truth is never easy to swallow,
Then please explain in rational terms why setting fire to police cars is acceptable to your movement, please explain why looting is acceptable to your movement, please explain why setting fire to a building is acceptable to your movement. Please explain why your movement seems to condone violence against any race or Creed that does not agree with your premise. Yes, I’m a white man, I find the violence and theft criminal and offensive to me. Before you say white privilege to me, please show me the rule book for white people that is different than the one for blacks,… Read more »
Nobody is claiming arson is acceptable, you’re making a straw man argument. If you don’t understand white privilege, you’re already steeping in it. The reason it’s privilege is because non-whites are *not* treated the same as you (or me). Most of the laws that negatively affect black citizens were passed by white people wanting to control, limit, or subjugate blacks and other non-whites.
If a white woman get pulled over by a cop they usually say “I hope I don’t get a ticket” if a black woman get stopped by a white cop they always say “I hope I don’t get killed” major difference, that’s white privilege. And If you don’t get it, then you’re part of the problem. And believe me its not justice for all, just the non BLACK.
The BLM movement seems to be getting the much needed attention, finally. This is about letting people know that black and brown people are not being treated equally. The recent incident in Minnesota reminds us that if this was a white man, he more likely would’ve been just sitting in a jail cell waiting for his due process. Maybe he wouldn’t have been in jail at all because the reality is that white people are treated differently than most black and brown folks. This movement is to remind us as people of all colors,there are some racist people out there… Read more »
I hold my breathe every time Dave pushes the BLOG envelop. What horrible hateful thing will now be said? What will men, who actually understand what it means to be stereotyped say to denigrate others? First of all, BRAVO Dave, I know you are Canadian, and I appreciate your brotherhood on this (from your cousin country USA). I have been mostly silent this last year as I am ashamed of how my American brothers here are okay supporting the roots of hate (hate groups, KKK, et. al.) and those who benefit from those groups (other hate mongers, and the… Read more »
The “All lives matter” / “Blue lives matter” slogans are a trick invented by racists to create a counter narrative to the Black Lives Matter movement and distract from police brutality. This reaction looks an awful lot like homophobic people trying to oppose gay pride events saying there is no need for that as there is no straight pride event. In both case, it’s a minority group trying to remind everyone else we also have rights, and the dominant group telling the minority to shut up. When you see this cop murdering George Floyd, hands in pocket as he was… Read more »
ABOLISH ALL POLICE NOW ! ! ! !
That really makes sense. Duh! People killing and looting now. Just think if no police
And what triggered it ?
Yep, the police killing yet another black guy !
I’m so sick of this crap. Celebrate a drug head and turn the country up side down for him. Way to go Democrats crazy mother fers.
He did not deserve to die and the cops that did it need to be punished. But Trump didn’t do it and 99.99% of America didn’t. Give it up people and get a life
Tim, you’re sick of this crap? Who enslaved and sold human beings? Who introduced drugs to the black community? The violence you see was taught to black people by white people who wanted to dominate, to take over, because white people have the delusion they are the superior race. Look at all the countries the USA or the British occupy and tell me who taught whom to be violent. Trump didn’t do it? Even military generals agree that Trump “fans the flame” of hate and racial divide. BTW, thanks to Trumps leadership the USA has been exposed as being a… Read more »
Tim:
TOUCHE!
What you wrote is the Liberals using a Black Man’s unfortunate death as a torch to ignite an effigy of Trump. It is politically motivated not humanity motivated.
It is the worst and most dangerous example of Discrimination
Nah, it’s not one man…
It’s thousands of men, women, children, trans, killed or incorrectly discriminated over centuries, for the color of their skin.
And this has to stop. That’s it. If you can’t understand that, I’m sorry for your poor soul.
Fuck this president. Glad to see that society is finally rebelling against the Police State and demanding social justice and an end to police brutality. There’s something wrong with those who don’t support dismantling social injustice and ending police brutality. Gay people should never support the Police State. I’m happy to see Millennials and Gen Z taking a stand; however, it’s depressing to see how many #Boomers sold out
My, my, my. It’s interesting to see both the written vitriol and and “voting” on posts. There’s a whole lotta racist motherfuckers on here.