KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A new mural with an important message now paves a street in downtown Kalamazoo.
During Friday’s Juneteenth Celebration artists came together to paint “Black Lives Matter” on South Rose Street between South and Lovell Streets, stretching 200 feet near the Kalamazoo Public Library.
Each letter features artwork from local volunteers and community members who spent most of the day in the hot sun measuring, stenciling, and painting messages and designs.
The artwork is inspired by a similar mural on a street in Washington D.C. that leads to the White House. Many Michigan cities have also followed suit with other street art.
The idea for a local mural first came from Kalamazoo Public School Trustee Jermaine Jackson.
Volunteers say they hope the painting can be redone each year to avoid fading so it will always have a lasting impact on the community.
