News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida, witnessed a significant event as the Woodson African American Museum celebrated Free Museum Day by reimagining the defaced ‘Black History Matters’ mural. Community members came together to form the words of the mural, emphasizing its enduring message. The event included performances, prayers, and activities highlighting African American culture and unity. Local leaders expressed their support, reinforcing the community’s resolve against the mural’s removal by state authorities, and fostering a conversation around cultural expression and historical identity.
St. Petersburg, Florida witnessed a significant community event as the Woodson African American Museum, in collaboration with the St. Pete Arts Alliance, celebrated Free Museum Day by reimagining the defaced “Black History Matters” mural. The mural, which had become a point of contention after its removal by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews, was recreated through a powerful display of unity among participants who formed the words of the mural with their bodies, emphasizing that its message still resonates today.
The commemorative event commenced with a soulful performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Taylor McCray Honor, followed by a poetic recitation titled “I Am Black History” delivered by 10-year-old Demilee Nicole Wilson. These performances set the tone for the day, showcasing the strong cultural and historical connections within the African American community.
A Prayer of Peace was led by Minister Leonte Tukes, as inspirational messages were shared by local leaders including Council Member Cory Givens, and prayers from Pastors Andy Oliver and Ben Atherton-Zeman, who faced arrest during the mural’s removal attempt. The sense of community was further strengthened by support from State Representative Michele Rayner, Mayor Ken Welch, Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Richie Floyd, along with School Board Member Caprice Edmond.
The event also featured a performance by the youth drumline from Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and offered attendees opportunities to create their own chalk art with messages of hope. Guests explored the museum’s Legacy Garden, which featured a sculpture of Harriet Tubman by artist Wesley Wofford. Additional activities included drumming, storytelling, and crafts, engaging families in celebrating African American culture and history.
Moreover, families and attendees participated in an interactive scavenger hunt tied to the exhibition “Beacons, Griots, and the Journey to Freedom,” further enhancing their connection to the day’s significant themes. As the event concluded, guests received “Black History Matters” shirts and commemorative posters, continuing to promote the important message of unity and resilience.
Community support was evident with participation from several organizations, including the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Urban League, and St. Pete Pride. Board Member Chiquita Clark highlighted the importance of having a clearly articulated vision, noting that such clarity ensures it cannot be easily erased but can be reimagined in meaningful ways.
The original “Black History Matters” mural was removed by FDOT as part of a statewide initiative pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis, igniting protests and raising questions about artistic expression and the treatment of cultural symbols. The subsequent attempts to repaint the mural met with resistance from FDOT crews again, demonstrating the ongoing public sentiment towards the piece and its messages.
Those affected by the mural’s removal and the subsequent controversies view the actions as not merely about art, but rather as a broader dialogue concerning history, identity, and ideological expression in Florida. The belief persists that the act of removing the murals only serves to galvanize the community’s resolve to protect and restore such expressions of cultural significance.
This event marked not only a celebration of culture but also a reinvigoration of dialogue around the important themes the mural represents. As conversations continue about art and history within the community, the reimagined “Black History Matters” mural stands as a potent reminder of the enduring spirit and activism of the St. Petersburg community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Men Accused of Blocking FDOT Crews
- Black Enterprise: Black History Matters Mural Repainted
- WSVN: St. Petersburg Pastors Arrested
- WTSP: Black History Matters Mural Repainted
- The Weekly Challenger: Woodson Museum’s Free Museum Day
- Wikipedia: Black History
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
