TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A mural depicting Black history will soon be painted at a Terre Haute intersection.
The Board of Public Works Monday approved a street closing and street painting request made by Erick Beverly of Change of Terre Haute to paint a mural at the intersection of 7th and Walnut streets.
“This mural is going to represent our culture. This mural is going to represent a few faces of some of the history,” said Change of Terre haute founder Erick Beverly. “Hopefully it’s going to show that we want change and this is just the start.”
The mural, which will be placed in a 19 foot by 17 foot square at the middle of the intersection, will depict Black historical figures including Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisholm and Rosa Parks as well as George Floyd. It will read “BLM. Change Must Come. The Price of a life does not change based on color, gender or creed.”
The intersection will remain open while painting is underway with barricades positioned in the middle of the intersection to keep workers and drivers safe.
“Without knowing about a problem you can’t solve a problem,” said NAACP president Sylvester Edwards. “To have a mural that is out there to show the public that we are aware and it brings thought to the minds of people who don’t know.”
The mural will be created by artist Courtland Blade. He will have different artists working with him as well. For Beverly, this mural is much more than just a painting.
“It’s been on my mind since I seen the projects that was going on when you seen the other cities. People were painting “Black Lives Matter” in the streets. Definitely, to get this approved during the month of Black History month, it definitely touched my heart in a certain way.”
Work on the mural is expected to take place in March.
