Charlotte's BLM Mural On Tryon Blocked Off For Pedestrian Plaza

CHARLOTTE, NC — Uptown Charlotte's Black Lives Matter mural will remain closed to vehicle traffic through Sept. 30 as part of of new pedestrian plaza pilot program, city officials announced Thursday. The City of Charlotte-commissioned mural was painted June 9 on South Tryon Street between Third and Fourth Streets.

"The Black Lives Matter mural is a symbol, a small step that acknowledges the value of each member of the community and the racism and injustice that persist in systems and institutions, especially toward Black people and people of color," the city said in a statement Thursday.

The mural, painted in permanent traffic paint, mirrors a similar project unveiled last month in Washington, D.C., where artists painted enormous bright yellow letters on the street leading to the White House.

The pedestrian plaza will be closed to motorized vehicles, including motorcycles ad scooters through Sept. 30. During the interim, the city said it will evaluate how the pedestrian plaze impacts adjacent businesses and "whether that space is the bet location for the desired use."

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