Local Business Owners React To George Floyd's Mural In Marietta

MARIETTA, OH — This Sunday, a mural of George Floyd went up on the side of TLV Mediterranean Restaurant. Ari Gold owns the building and commissioned the art. He said that he wanted there to be a mural in Marietta that actually stood for something.

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While some may feel this mural is politically charged, Gold wants people to know that he's not trying to send a divisive message, just the opposite.

"George Floyd was not treated as equal but he has created, sadly with his death, a movement that pushes for equality."

We reached out to a number of local business owners. Many of them preferred to not go on the record and state publicly how they felt. However, there were a number of local entrepreneurs who had no problem sharing their feelings.

Like Devon Patterson who owns Patterson K-9 Academy. His business is just around the corner from TLV on Putnam Street. He said he loves the mural, and it means a lot to him.

"I love it, especially with the racial climate. As a black business owner, I feel represented. I feel like this mural makes space for unity between all races, gender, and any background. I think this is a great cornerstone for the community to move towards healing and a better mindset."

Chris Kiggins owns the flower shop Two Peas in A Pod. She said she doesn't have any strong feelings for or against the mural.

"I just saw it, I don't have any particular feelings about it. It's beautiful art."

It should be noted, that the mural is right across the alley from the Washington County Republican Party Headquarters. Joe Derkin is an assistant prosecutor for the county, he also helps run the county Republican party. Derkin said they certainly support Gold's First Amendment right to express himself and his business in any lawful way he chooses. That being said, he also noted the political implications of the image.

"What happened to Mr. Floyd was tragic. The lack of honest dialogue afterward for reform led to riots and defund the police was also tragic. We are beyond fortunate to live in a community where our law enforcement is outstanding. I hope this is for good reasons and not for controversy for controversy's sake. At the end of the day, whatever differences people have I hope we can start having open discussions and cut down on the rhetoric and anger. We live in the same community and have to act like it."

Sylvi Caporale owns American Flags and Poles. She had only positive things to say about the situation.

"David [Ari] owns his own building, he chose his own artwork, he paid for it all to be done. Because he lives in America he's able to do that and express his own thoughts. So what that says for me and us, we have the ability to share our own thoughts and feelings too. And none of us should live in fear of having the opportunity to share our thoughts and the images that are important to us. Just because they may be different does not make me angry, does not aggravate or embarrass me. But it makes me grateful that we live in America, where we are able to share our thoughts. We want to be able to treat each other in respectful ways always, and that's the way to do it."

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