Jun 5, 2020 - Politics & Policy

D.C. paints giant Black Lives Matter sign on street leading to White House

black lives matter sign near white house

Photo: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

Washington D.C. painted Friday a giant sign in support of the Black Lives Matter movement that stretches down two blocks of 16th Street leading to the White House.

Why it matters: It is just north of Lafayette Square, which has been the center of the city's protests over the death of George Floyd — and was where peaceful protesters were cleared out earlier this week ahead of President Trump's photo op at St. John's Episcopal Church.

  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the intersection of 16th and H Streets — where St. John's is located — would be renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza," per WAMU's Martin Austermuhle.

What they're saying: Black Lives Matter DC called the move "a performative distraction from real policy changes."

  • "Bowser has consistently been on the wrong side of BLMDC history. This is to appease white liberals while ignoring our demands. Black Lives Matter means defund the police."

More photos:

Protester paint a giant Black Lives Matter sign on 16th street near the White House in Washington, DC, on June 5 2020.
Photo: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
Protester paint a giant Black Lives Matter sign on 16th street near the White House in Washington, DC, on June 5 2020.
Photo: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

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