Black Lives Matter Mural at Woodson Museum Reimagined in Celebration of Juneteenth

June 16, 2023 - This Juneteenth, the federal U.S. holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, is leading a community effort to reimagine the Black Lives Matter mural, located in front of the Woodson Museum at 2240 9th Ave. S. A presentation of the completed mural is scheduled for Monday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. 

"The Woodson Museum is in the moment - diversity, equity, inclusion, and history are here to stay," said Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of the Woodson Museum. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, our museum will continue to work to educate others about Black history and ensure that it is preserved, presented, celebrated, and commemorated!”

In addition to Mayor Ken Welch, the following elected officials and community leaders will be attending the mural presentation: U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Florida Senator Darryl Rouson, Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, Pinellas County School Board Member Caprice Edmond, City Council Vice-Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, City Council Member Richie Floyd, and Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President/CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. Pastor Clarence Williams of Great Mt Zion AME Church will offer the invocation. Spoken word, poetry, and dance will also be part of the program.

"As an administration committed to Equitable Arts Opportunities and being Informed - one that's guided by best practices, facts, science, and our city's history - in a city that's devoted to arts and culture, I'm proud of this creative Juneteenth collaboration between the City, the Woodson, the Arts Alliance, and local artists," said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "This enduring truth remains self-evident: History matters."

On June 15 and 16, local artists, the Vitale Brothers, will resurface the roadway where the mural is located and begin outlining the new masterpiece. All day Saturday, June 17, a total of 19 St. Pete artists are scheduled to come together and paint the letters. The public is welcome to stop by and show their support. PLEASE NOTE: 9th Ave. S. between 22nd and 23rd Streets will be closed until July 10.

Participating Artists:
The following artists are helping to reimagine the Black Lives Matter mural: Daniel "R5" Barojas, Miss Crit (Laura Spencer), Esh (Eric Hornsby), Cyrus Fire, Raheem Fitzgerald, John Gascot, James E Hartzell, Vera Herrera, Plum Howlet, Jade Jackson, Reid Jenkins, Jujmo (Cheryl Weber), James Kitchens, Cam Parker, Reda3sb, Vitale Bros, Javon Walters, David Watson, Wayward Walls (Jason Harvin), Catherine Weaver.

About the Woodson Museum:
The mission of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida is two-fold: 1) To preserve, present, and interpret African American history and to engage a broad and diverse audience through activities; and 2) To promote an understanding among various groups that comprise the St. Petersburg community and beyond to enhance our ability as a society to respect, value diversity, and foster equal rights and social justice.

About Mayor Welch's Pillar for Progress: Equitable Development, Arts and Business Opportunities:
The City of St. Petersburg is committed to inclusive and intentional economic development that improves the quality of life for every resident in every neighborhood. Equitable Development means everyone in the community is invested in the City’s progress, not displaced by it. Every decision will be focused on creating new opportunities. Public-private partnerships, equitable funding for businesses and the arts, and City initiatives like the Community Benefits Program promote economic equity, attract innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs, and ensure our arts community continues to thrive in the diverse, vibrant atmosphere that is St. Petersburg.