Black Lives Matter Mural Unveiled At Woodson Museum in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A reimagining of the Black Lives Matter mural on the street in front of the Woodson African American Museum was unveiled Monday morning to commemorate Juneteenth, the federal U.S. holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, according to a news release from the city.

The project was a collaboration between the museum and the city of St. Petersburg. The mural was initially painted in front of the museum in 2020.

"The Woodson Museum is in the moment — diversity, equity, inclusion and history are here to stay," Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the Woodson Museum, said. "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!”

Local officials and community leaders, including Mayor Ken Welch, were at the unveiling.

"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," the mayor said. "This enduring truth remains self-evident: History matters."

Before the work was done on the mural, the Vitale Brothers, local artists, resurfaced the roadway where it’s located on Thursday and Friday. They also outlined the new mural.

On Saturday, 19 St. Petersburg artists came together to paint the letters.

Participating artists included 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) and Catherine Weaver.