News Summary
In St. Petersburg, Florida, two pastors were arrested during a peaceful prayer vigil protesting the removal of a ‘Black History Matters’ mural. The mural, created outside the Woodson African American Museum, is being removed as part of a state initiative led by Governor Ron DeSantis aimed at eliminating ‘non-standard’ road art. The pastors, Reverend Andrew Oliver and Minister Benedict Atherton-Zeman, were charged with resisting traffic obstruction after refusing to leave during their protest. This action has ignited discussions about community identity and representation.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Two pastors were arrested on Friday night while engaged in a peaceful prayer vigil over a “Black History Matters” mural that is set to be removed. Reverend Andrew “Andy” Oliver and Minister Benedict Atherton-Zeman were taken into custody as they expressed their opposition to the removal of the mural created in 2023 outside the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
The removal is part of an initiative led by the Florida Department of Transportation, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, aimed at eliminating what the state refers to as “non-standard” road art. This action is reportedly associated with a broader political agenda targeting certain street art deemed politically charged.
The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. when the pastors arrived at the mural, praying and refusing to leave when approached by police who were present to clear the area for the mural’s removal. Their refusal led to their arrest, with both pastors being charged with one misdemeanor count of resisting traffic obstruction.
The pastors spent part of the night in Pinellas County jail and were subsequently released after posting a $500 bond. The response from community leaders and local authorities has been mixed, with many expressing concerns regarding the implications of the removal on community identity and representation.
Prior to the pastors’ protest, city officials in St. Petersburg had requested exceptions for several murals from the removal order, stating that these pieces are vital components of the community’s identity and values. However, sources indicate that concerns over potential loss of state funding may have influenced decisions to comply with the state’s directive.
Community leaders, including the city’s mayor, have voiced their apprehension regarding what they view as a political initiative that seeks to undermine inclusivity and representation, particularly for Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. Many perceive these actions as part of a targeted campaign against symbols of diversity and social justice within the community.
The removal of the mural was executed as the pastors prayed, ultimately resulting in the artwork being painted over with black paint during the confrontation. Those supportive of the mural argue that the removal is not just an aesthetic choice, but rather a significant loss for the community, erasing messages of social awareness and cultural significance.
Reverend Oliver described his actions as a faith-driven response to what he characterized as a struggle against “tyranny and fascism and white supremacy.” Minister Atherton-Zeman highlighted the values of love and community interdependence as his motivation for kneeling in protest.
The events surrounding the mural’s removal and the subsequent arrest of the pastors have sparked widespread discussion within the community, raising questions about the role of public art and its potential impact on social issues. The situation highlights broader tensions between state policies and local community values, particularly regarding matters of racial equity and representation.
This incident reflects the mounting pressure in various regions over issues relating to public art, social justice, and community identity. As discussions progress, both supporters and opponents of the mural and similar artworks continue to voice their perspectives on its significance to the cultural fabric of St. Petersburg.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Public Art
- NewsOne
- Google Search: Black History Matters mural
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Scholar: Black History Matters mural
- Black Enterprise
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Art
- Florida Politics
- Google News: Florida pastors arrested mural
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.
