KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, WOOD TV 8 reported that the organizers of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) mural on Rose Street are raising money for local-black-owned businesses.
WOOD TV 8 reported that over $4,000 has been raised through sales of t-shirts and other methods so far. The organizers have already written and donated a check of $1,400 to the business Rootead.
Organizers told WOOD TV 8 that supporting local businesses is made even more important by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The BLM mural itself was painted on June 19 in a “Juneteenth” celebration. It sits on Rose Street in front of the downtown library.
Last week, the mural had been vandalized by unknown suspects, but it has since been repainted.
Organizers also told WOOD TV 8 that the vandalism will not deter their efforts.
