The Black Lives Matter street mural outside the Woodson African American Museum in St. Pete represented the collective efforts of dozens of artists here in the Tampa Bay region. 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 at 2240 9th Ave. S.

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.

Local artists join together for a huge mural project on Juneteenth

Participating artists include: 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.

A presentation of the completed mural is scheduled for Monday, June 19, at 11am.

“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!”

St. Pete officials will attend official unveiling

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.”

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