Since Monday, officials from the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services closed the road from Highland Avenue to Orange Drive for the whole week so that workers can install a permanent street art on the boulevard. The street mural will be done to commemorate the All Black Lives Matter demonstration and march, which drew hundreds of people to the area.
On June 13, volunteers painted the words “All Black Lives Matter” on the boulevard in bright-colored lettering of the transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ pride flags. Thousands of people marched against racism and in solidarity with the Black LGBTQ community for Pride Month. This demonstration followed the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking nationwide protests for weeks.
However, a few days after the march down the boulevard, crews began to scrub off the letters. They were able to remove three letters before Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell had ordered them to stop. Members of the public and Councilman O’Farrell, who attend the march just two days prior, pushed for the motion to create a permanent commemoration of the movement.
“We had a once-in-a-generation moment this weekend in Hollywood as tens of thousands gathered for a peaceful demonstration on one of the most recognizable boulevards in America. We now have a chance to memorialize the movement in a meaningful way. I look forward to working with BLAC (Black LGBTQIA Action Committee) and other community members on this project… As 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. I want to thank StreetsLA, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Council, and most importantly, members of Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change for their collaboration and partnership to bring this permanent landmark to the 13th District.”
Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell
Members of the Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change, which organized the march, have also shown support for the permanent street art.
“This is something that will let our Black LGBTQ+ community, especially our Black trans siblings, know they are seen, valid, and valued. This act by Councilmember O’Farrell and his team, backed by the city of Los Angeles, gives me hope that we are not fighting alone as a community.”
Luckie Alexander, a BLAC member and the artist who created the All Black Lives Matter street art
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