Santa Cruz Event Taking Place Sept. 12
On Saturday, Sept. 12, Santa Cruz will become the first city in the U.S. to create a city-sanctioned, permanent Black Lives Matter mural installation.
Affirmed unanimously by the City Council in June, the mural will be situated in the middle of the city’s civic center on Center Street in front of City Hall. Participation in the project is open to all community members; the mural painting event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Through many of the actions that have taken place since the murder of George Floyd, our community has demonstrated a strong sincere commitment to fighting against racism and reaffirming its support for a diverse inclusive community where our differences are celebrated and everyone is welcome,” said Mayor Justin Cummings.
Abi Mustapha
The brainchild of Santa Cruz artist Abi Mustapha, the mural will lay the foundation for an ongoing racial equity initiative that will be integrated into the community’s annual Juneteenth celebrations. The mural will feature the words “Black Lives Matter” in yellow block letters, in solidarity with other Black Lives Matter murals across the country.
“I think it shows solidarity,” said Mustapha. “It shows this isn’t going to go away. With social media, our attention spans are shorter than they ever have been, and it allows people to focus on one thing and then move on to the next thing. Putting a mural down and having the Arts Commission participation in events year-after-year shows the City believes this is something that has to be looked at.”
The project results from a collaboration between Mustapha and several other community members who signed on to make it a reality: Arts Commission Vice-Chair Sean McGowen and artist Taylor Reinhold stepped in to help organize and Yoga for All Movement Founder Shandara Gill became the project’s nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Their shared aim was to build something with lasting impact.
“I think this mural is a good starting point for a larger discussion that needs to happen about systemic racism, not only in our community but in the nation, said McGowen. “The mural is the least important part. The mural is a first stepping stone toward a larger discussion.”
The volunteer form has closed. Donations to support the project can be made via Yoga for All Movement.
“This mural will serve as a reminder of our collective commitment to fighting racism and injustice. I am very grateful for those members of our community who brought this forward and excited for what may come in the future,” added Cummings.
Local businesses and nonprofits are invited to join the ongoing effort to build a sustainable plan surrounding this public art that includes the annual Juneteenth events, community involvement, and ongoing mural maintenance. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for updates at Mustapha’s website: abimustapha.com.
TOP PHOTO: The Black Lives Matter Mural will be painted on Center Street in front of City Hall.