LYNN — The Lynn Public Arts Commission (LPAC) voted unanimously to support and provide assistance to youth pushing for a Black Lives Matter mural in the city.
Carlos Prudencio and Damianny Garrido, both Lynn English seniors, spearheaded the project and have been trying to receive approval from the city government for a Black Lives Matter Mural on Essex Street since last June.
The duo sought support from members of the community, the Lynn Police Department, and now the LPAC to form a plan for the mural to eventually be presented to Mayor Thomas M. McGee.
Prudencio said that he hopes the mayor, who has expressed support for the mural in the past, will enact the government speech clause, which will restrict government regulation of private speech and allow the project to occur without another entity challenging it.
LPAC committee members agreed that the mural would highlight the diversity in Lynn and represent unity, but some believe that Lynn is late to the game, as many other cities across the country have already installed a Black Lives Matter mural.
The BLM mural would begin in front of the Lynn courthouse and run until Johnson Street, with a reverse mural beginning in front of City Hall and continuing to the front of the courthouse. Further details, including the artists involved and the costs and sketches, cannot be determined until the project is approved.
Prudencio said they plan to create a colorful mural, to bring a more vibrant feel and a bright touch. He said a police detail and necessary precautions will surround the mural site, ensuring the safety of all of the people involved in putting the mural together.
Prudencio expressed his gratitude for the support that has already been shown for this project, highlighting the more than 2,000 signatures the mural has received on a youth-led petition through change.org.
Nicole Mcclain, founder of the North Shore Juneteenth Association, also voiced her support for the youth taking charge in this project.
“A Black Lives Matter mural is another layer of the movement where there’s so many things that come together to make change happen,” she said. “When people see a Black Lives Matter mural on the streets of Lynn, they’re going to think wow, change is happening, even in our city.”
Prudencio said the group plans on using local artists to work on the mural, and noted the importance of the community working together on the project to show support for the people of Lynn.
Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan was one of the first supporters of this project, according to Prudencio. Hogan said he advocated for this project in a meeting with McGee.
“I told them that this is important in Lynn because Lynn is so diverse,” Hogan explained. “This would be a big statement for our city. We’re supposed to be the city of firsts and we’re supposed to do things like this before anyone else.”
Hogan, as well as other participants in the meeting, expressed their frustration with city officials lengthening the process, saying that they support the movement and would like to see it progress.
The LPAC formed a subcommittee at Tuesday night’s meeting to assist Prudencio and Garrido with forming the proposal for the project, ensuring that it is clear and detailed so they can receive approval to move forward with the planning and begin approaching potential artists.
Supporter and Lynn native Bolaji Odusanya said the proposed mural is vital to the city and will have a great impact.
“Lynn is one of the most diverse cities,” he said. “Putting a mural in our city is one of the most peaceful ways we can protest every single day without even intentionally doing it.”
He said the mural will show that Lynn cares and supports the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kief Schleifer, of KSDesign Collaborative said the project needs the City Council and mayor to be at the forefront. She said that type of support will not only allow the mural to be possible, but will increase support throughout the city and spread the word of the importance of the project.
Prudencio said that when the proposal is approved, he will work with LPAC, and nonprofits including Beyond Walls, the North Shore Juneteenth Association, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club of Lynn to put the mural together.
Prudencio hopes that the painting of the mural can begin in the spring or summer, pending the approval of the mayor. He asks for support and encourages people to view the murals in Somerville and Worcester, noting his hope that the one in Lynn can be painted in a similar fashion.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
