Santa Cruz Shows Off New 'Black Lives Matter' Mural

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A new mural near the Santa Cruz City Hall and Civic Center makes a simple declaration: "Black Lives Matter."

The mural was first approved by the Santa Cruz City Council in June after the killing of George Floyd sparked national outrage.

On Saturday, more than 500 volunteers showed up to help create the mural, according to KSBW. Now a permanent installation, the mural will be highlighted in the city's Juneteenth celebration.

"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 Santa Cruz Arts Commission Vice Chair Sean McGowen, who helped organize to make the mural happen. "The mural is the least important part. The mural is a first stepping stone toward a larger discussion."

Related: Santa Cruz Civic Center To Get Black Lives Matter Mural