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Black Lives Matter mural painted in downtown Indianapolis

Posted at 5:50 PM, Aug 01, 2020
and last updated 2021-09-30 06:59:17-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis is joining the growing lists of cities with Black Lives Matter murals on major streets.

The murals, a sign of solidarity, have been painted on streets across the country since the death of George Floyd.

Local artists are joining the nation's fight to end racial injustice and painting the words "Black Lives Matter" along the historic stretch of Indiana Avenue. The area was once a prominent place for Black business owners.

Near the Madam Walker Legacy Center and the headquarters of the Indianapolis Urban League, artists hope people also recognize the faces of people killed by police in the city, like Christopher Goodlowe, Dreasjon Reed, McHale Rose, and Eleanor Northington.

"George Floyd is a household name. Sandra Bland things like that," Deonna Craig, a visual artist, said. "We have people right here in our community. People that we may have walked by at the grocery store at church or at school. And I want us to know everyone's name."

Each artist has the freedom to use their creative ability to paint whatever they want inside each letter.

"We feel proud to be a part of it as artists in the community, to make sure that we are doing our part as well to help accelerate the movement and make sure that this moment doesn't pass us," Alan Bacon said.

Advocates say the mural will serve as a reminder for the continual need for growth in recognizing Black Lives Matter.