Second 'Black Lives Matter' Mural Unveiled in Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood Township unveiled its second "Black Lives Matter" mural on Sunday alongside a block party featuring performances by artists and an address by township mayor Frank McGehee.

The newest mural is located on Springfield Avenue, in front of the township's police station and municipal court. It follows the July installation of a similar mural on Valley Street.

The celebration of the mural featured a prayer from Reverend Foushee, a performance of "American the Beautiful" by Maplewood music teacher Regina Bradshaw and an address from SOMA Justice.

Mia White, a SOMA Justice leadership team member said social justice must go beyond online posts.

“The course of actual change is not flashy,” White said, according to Tap Into SOMA.

The day opened and closed with remarks from McGehee.

“It was equally important for people coming into our community and for our residents who live in town near Springfield Ave to know that Black Lives Matter here in Maplewood. And of course, we need to follow those words with meaningful actions,” the mayor said, according to a report from Village Green.