Traffic, weather and even an act of vandalism last year have worn down the Black Lives Matter mural on the asphalt of Plum Street outside Cincinnati City Hall.
With $250,000 in federal stimulus money from the American Rescue Plan, the mural could return to its original glory when it was painted last summer amid the civil rights protests.
Cincinnati's city manager Paula Boggs Muething has recommended using $250,000 in its $290 million allotment of COVID-19 relief money toward the mural. It's part of $10 million announced by Mayor John Cranley Wednesday in federal money going to Cincinnati arts.
The $250,000 wouldn't just be a fresh coat of paint. It would also go toward a historical plaque explaining the mural's backstory and events centered around the mural.
"It's exciting it will be restored to its original state, hopefully even better than the original," said Adoria Maxberry, one of the 17 lead artists. The 33-year-old Pleasant Ridge resident oversaw the design of the 'M.'
"It was a great body of work to begin with. Just being able to see the city willing to invest as it should in not only artists but Black artists is necessary."
The mural isn't simply the words "Black Lives Matter." Each letter has an intricate design telling a story inspired by the poem "We Want What You Want" from Alandes Powell, the organizer of the project.
Exactly what programming will be planned surrounding the mural, city officials wouldn't say. Messages to Cranley's office to elaborate weren't returned.
Maxberry didn't want to comment on specifics of what the events could be.
The plaque would tell the story of why the mural was painted in the first place, Maxberry said, explaining that each letter has a story. Maxberry's design reflects family and flourishing youth.
"It's not a piece that is intended to create division in any way, shape or form," Maxberry said. "These are all just basic primary things we all want to see. Hopefully, this piece will present that. It'll be a love letter to the city."
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