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Washington, D.C. Begins Dismantling Black Lives Matter Plaza in Controversial Move

The transformation of the plaza, part of the city's America 250 mural project, follows federal pressure and debates over its symbolic significance.

With the White House in the background, painted letters spelling out the word "matter" are seen as demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
With the White House in the background, demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
With the White House and Washington Monument in the background, a worker holds a traffic stop sign as demolition begins on the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
A worker leans on a traffic bollard during demolition of the Black Lives Matter mural, Monday, March 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • Construction crews have started removing the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural on 16th Street near the White House, a process expected to take six to eight weeks.
  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the decision to reconfigure the plaza, citing the need to prioritize economic growth and public safety over congressional interference.
  • The plaza's transformation is part of the America 250 mural project, which will involve creating new murals across all eight wards of the city.
  • The move follows a bill introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde proposing to withhold federal funds unless the plaza is renamed 'Liberty Plaza' and references to Black Lives Matter are removed.
  • The original mural, painted in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, was seen as a powerful symbol of the racial justice movement, though its removal has sparked mixed reactions from the community.