Santa Cruz Civic Center To Get Black Lives Matter Mural

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz residents are invited to play a role in creating the first-ever permanent, city-approved Black Lives Matter mural this weekend.

A mural painting event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the middle of the civic center on Center Street, where the mural will be placed, the city said in a news release.

Santa Cruz artist Abi Mustapha spearheaded the effort and will integrate "Black Lives Matter" in yellow block letters into the piece, the city said. Mustapha and other community members rallied to call for the mural and make it a reality.

"I think it shows solidarity," said Mustapha in the news release. "It shows this isn't going to go away."

She said on her website that she envisions other groups — such as those that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community or the environment — get a chance to share their message with Santa Cruz in the years to come by painting their own mural at the site.

The city council unanimously approved the project in June.

"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."

Sign up here and donate to support the project here.