Construction crews began tearing into the ground of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., Monday as onlookers watched the two blocks of 16th Street near the White House transform.
Bowser signaled the end of Black Lives Matter Plaza last week after Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) proposed denying federal funds to Washington if the area was not renamed.
“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” Bowser said in a statement.
Dr. Kristy McDowell of northern Virginia said she understands the pressure Bowser was under and does not blame the mayor for the demise of Black Lives Matter Plaza.
“I understand why she’s doing it, she has a constituency, a district of people to worry about, and she can’t risk losing funding for her city,” McDowell, 50, said.
Black Lives Matter Plaza was designated in June 2020 as protests sprang up around the country following the death of George Floyd.
That movement quickly collected millions of dollars in funding as riots, vandalism, and looting across the country led to over $1 billion in damages.
When Bowser ordered the plaza’s creation, the mayor was sued after activists alleged that she violated the First Amendment by showing favoritism to the “cult orthodoxy” of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The Black Lives Matter banner conveys that black people are the favored race of the city of D.C., which is of course a racist contention floated by a racist Democrat who persistently refuses to think logically,” the lawsuit read.
Clyde’s proposal would see Black Lives Matter Plaza become “Liberty Plaza” and honor the history of the nation as its 250th birthday approaches.
“Our capital city must serve as a beacon of freedom, patriotism, and safety — not wokeness, divisiveness, and lawlessness,” he said.
Bowser has not confirmed the name of the new plaza.
Washington Examiner commentary writer Christopher Tremoglie has suggested that the plaza be renamed to honor Laken Riley.
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“There are many possibilities, including ‘Laken Riley Boulevard,’ ‘Laken Riley Avenue,’ or ‘Laken Riley Place,’ Tremoglie wrote. “All of these would be much more suitable than ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza.’ BLM caused chaos and destruction, instigating divisiveness throughout the nation.”
“It is an organization predicated on promoting dishonest narratives, usually accompanied by hypersensationalized claims of racism.”
