Black Lives Matter Plaza

The beginning, middle, and end of Black Lives Matter Plaza, from June 2020 to March 2025.

The beginning

One morning, with no announcement ahead of time, 16th Street near the White House turned into a giant mural – Mayor Bowser’s statement for the city in mourning the murder of George Floyd.

The Early Days

The plaza quickly became a place to congregate, in pain and in recognition of shared humanity.

Constant Use

In the months after the plaza opened, it continued to be a center for demonstrations, but also was the site of constant community gatherings – some in remembrance, some in celebration, and some just to be there.

Reconstruction

The plaza became “permanent” in October 2021, with the lettering embedded in the street. The middle lane of the street remained open to pedestrians, but the side lines were open to traffic. The plaza continued to be a gathering space for major events and protests, but without the whole street being open, it no longer was continually used for gatherings.

The End

On March 10, 2025, the elimination of the plaza began, with Mayor Bowser deciding that it was strategic to accede to Trump’s demands rather than lose funding for the District.

Nadine Seiler, the activist who curated and protected the art on the plaza and became its historian, was again on the plaza on the first day of its destruction.

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*The late Karen Ramsey, our dear colleague, took photos of the plaza in its earliest days, including this one from above – in true Karen fashion, she talked her way into getting an aerial view before the area was open to the public.