Mural contains hurtful, divisive words and images
Statement of Milwaukee Common Council Members: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
We have seen a mural that has gone up at Locust and Holton in the 6th District, and we are troubled by the hurtful and divisive messaging it contains.
The same space (on private property) that has displayed a beautiful and inspiring mural of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old Black woman murdered by Louisville Metro Police in 2020, is now displaying a mural featuring the Star of David with a swastika placed inside of it.
Some people look for any excuse to wave a swastika. It has long been a symbol of intolerance and hatred, designed to psychologically injure and oppress those who are different. To see it displayed on the streets of our city is sad, distressing, and disheartening.
Art has the power to inspire, educate, and heal. However, by displaying the swastika, the mural triggers deep feelings and traumatic associations with atrocities, persecution, and genocide, and it is not welcome in our community.
Good art, in our opinion, can move people to initiate engagement and dialogue that can lead to positive change, or even to some level of mutual understanding.
This mural is not the way to move people in a positive direction, and we are requesting the property owner take it down in a spirit of healing.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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