The controversial Black Lives Matter Plaza, a two-block stretch of 16th Street NW near the White House, is being dismantled after more than four years as a symbol of left-wing activism in the nation’s capital. The move follows pressure from Republican lawmakers who sought to strip federal funding from D.C. unless the area was renamed.
Construction crews arrived early Monday to begin the removal process, painting over the massive yellow Black Lives Matter lettering that was originally commissioned by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2020 amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. The mural, which was once hailed as a public statement against President Donald Trump, is now being erased under a new political climate.
Work began at 9 a.m. when the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) workers started removing bollards on 16th Street, closing one traffic lane in the process. These bollards will not be returned to the street.
A DDOT spokesperson explained to WTOP that the reconstruction would occur during both weekdays and weekends and is anticipated to take six to eight weeks, depending on the weather.
“DDOT will closely coordinate with local stakeholders to ensure a smooth process, and we appreciate the public’s