CLEVELAND — It’s more than just art.
Each paint stroke on Cleveland’s Black Lives Matter mural was done intentionally.
”It’s bringing back a sense of community, inspiration, hope, freedom, justice and liberty for all,” said local artist, Antwoine Washington “This is what it’s supposed to look like but not all the time it looks like that, but with projects like this we’re able to get closer to that dream.”
Washington says the mural is personal.
“Anything to get the message across to everyone was one of the best things and best decisions I could’ve made, is being out here with my people.”
The mural sits on East 93 Street between Bessemer Avenue and Heath Avenue. The area is still coping with past horrific crimes and violence. Three years ago, 14-year-old Alianna DeFreeze was on the way to school when she got off an RTA bus and disappeared, never to be seen alive by her family again. DeFreeze was reported missing on Jan. 26, 2017, after she was last seen in the area of East 93rd Street and Kinsman Avenue. Christopher Whitaker, the man convicted of killing DeFreeze, was found guilty charges in connection with the abduction, rape and murder of Defreeze in February 2017.
“We thought this would be a great location to say, 'hey, Black Lives Matter and we all can come together, and you can drive down your street and see that message loud and clear,'” local artists Isaiah Washington said. “Its looking beautiful. I love the community’s support.”
As the paint dries and things eventually settle, residents here say the work will go on and their calls for change will continue to be loud and clear until Black lives truly matter.
“It’s not just a moment. It’s a movement,” Washington said.
Editor's note: Drone video/images shown in this story courtesy of Round Door Media | ClevelandTraveler.com
TRAFFIC ALERT: Part of East 93rd Street closed this weekend for Black Lives Matter mural painting.
