Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the “evolution” of Black Lives Matter Plaza.
The Plaza stretches from K Street, NW to H Street NW along 16th Street NW, leading directly in front of Lafayette Square in front of the White House. It earned its name following the Black Lives Matter uprising in the summer of 2020. The words “Black Lives Matter” adorn the street in large yellow lettering.
Bowser, who has come under attack from the Trump administration for handling the district, released a statement announcing the controversial plaza will evolve to be a part of the district’s America 250 mural.
“We have long considered Black Lives Matter Plaza’s “evolution,” and the plaza will be part of DC’s America 250 mural project, where we will invite students and artists to create new murals across all eight wards,” Bowser said.
The mayor explained the “evolution” while alluding to possible pressure from congressional leaders to make the change.
“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” Bower said. “The devastating impacts of the federal job cuts must be our number one concern. Our focus is on economic growth, public safety, and supporting our residents affected by these cuts.”
The announcement to rename the plaza came after the mayor was pressured by the White House, and Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., introduced legislation to paint over the plaza and rename it “Liberty Plaza” or face losing federal funding.
During a tele-town hall Wednesday, the mayor downplayed the decision, underscoring her commitment to protecting the district’s economy.
“We have bigger fish to fry than fights over what has been very important to us and to the history, and especially in our ability to keep our city safe during that time, that mural played a very important part,” she said. “But now our focus is on making sure our residents and our economy survives.”
The mayor has been under pressure from the White House, and congressional leaders are proposing to resend the district’s home rule and return governing to the federal government.
“I think that we should govern the District of Columbia,” Trump told reporters last month. “It’s so important, the D.C. situation. I think that we should run it strong, run it with law and order, make it absolutely flawless. And I think we should take over Washington, D.C.”
Trump echoed claims by Republican lawmakers, who recently introduced legislation in Congress to repeal the Home Rule Act that the district is plagued by violence and grime.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced the legislation, saying it comes in response to the “mayor and City Council’s failure to prevent violent crime, corruption, and voting by noncitizens.”
The duo tied the title of the legislation to Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser. The Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident Act can be shortened to the BOWSER Act.
