LYNN — When the two youths who spearheaded the movement to have a Black Lives Matter mural placed on Essex Street — within proximity of the Lynn District Court and City Hall — take their case before a City Council subcommittee Tuesday night, they will have a staunch ally on their side.
Congressman Seth Moulton is throwing his weight behind the drive started by Carlos Prudencio and Damianny Garrido, not only to have the mural painted, but to have it placed exactly where the two Lynn English students wanted it — Essex Street.
And Moulton is urging the City Council to approve it.
Prudencio and Garrido are scheduled for a presentation before the Lynn City Council’s Public Property and Parks Committee at 4 p.m. If approved there, the matter will be put before the entire City Council at its meeting later Tuesday.
The presentation is the latest step in a drive that began last year to have the city approve the mural.
“This mural will reinforce the idea that ‘Black Lives Matter’ isn’t some fleeting sentiment that’s popular right now because of the news,” Moulton said. “The Essex Street mural will stand as a reminder to all of us, but especially those of us in positions of power and privilege, that we have a lot of work to do until that saying is no longer aspirational but fact.
“The decision to approve the Essex Street mural should be an easy one. I urge the City Council to support it,” Moulton said.
For the past year, Prudencio and Garrido have rallied an array of youth and community groups around an effort aimed at getting the “Black Lives Matter” mural painted on the street between Lynn District Court and City Hall. After the petition initially launched, Moulton was one of the first local leaders to sign onto the petition and voice support.
“This mural will serve as a clear sign that our community is committed to standing together to fight against racism and for equity,” said Prudencio, a senior at English.
“‘Black Lives Matter’ is a statement of fact and this mural is one of many steps in ensuring that the words are backed with deeds in Lynn,” said Garrido.
Moulton has demonstrated his support in other ways. Last October, he presented Prudencio with his office’s Peter J. Gomes Service Award, which honors people who exemplify integrity, compassion and commitment to the community — all qualities that were the foundational principles of the late Rev. Peter J. Gomes, one of Moulton’s mentors.
Earlier this month, Council President Darren Cyr and Ward 2 Councilor Richard Starbard proposed a “Diversity Square” project for Central Square, which would have incorporated a BLM mural. However, both students said they rejected that plan because they preferred their mural to be closer to the seat of city government.
