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Sunny Hostin’s Reaction to Black Lives Matter Mural Removal
Sunny Hostin, co-host of the popular talk show ‘The View’, expressed a profound personal disappointment regarding the recent removal of the Black Lives Matter mural in Washington D.C. During a candid discussion on the ‘Behind the Table’ podcast, she articulated her feelings of sadness and devastation following the city’s decision to erase the street art representing the movement.
A Deep Personal Connection
Hostin’s connection to the Black Lives Matter movement runs deep. She revealed that Alicia Garza, one of her closest friends, played a pivotal role in launching the movement by coining the hashtag #blacklivesmatter in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Hostin remarked, “Of course, I take it a little personally because one of my closest friends is Alicia Garza, who wrote the letter that started the Black Lives Matter movement, and she is one of our thought leaders of our generation.”
The Significance of Black Lives Matter
In her comments, Hostin emphasized the importance of Black Lives Matter, describing it as the second most significant civil rights movement in American history. She argued that the removal of the mural is not just an isolated incident but part of a larger trend that she sees as an erasure of American history. According to her, such actions threaten to minimize the contributions and sacrifices made in the fight for racial equality and justice.
Blaming Political Pressures
While voicing her disappointment, Hostin opted not to place blame solely on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Instead, she pointed fingers at political dynamics within the government. She suggested that the removal came about due to pressures from Republican lawmakers. Hostin stated, “It was extortion, and you know, what was Mayor Bowser going to do with that? The city can’t run, Washington D.C….The city cannot run without government funding, without federal government funding; it just cannot have representation. It cannot do anything.”
Legislative Moves to Remove Black Lives Matter Branding
The political situation escalated with the introduction of a bill by Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia. This proposed legislation aims to withhold certain federal funds from Washington D.C. unless the city removes the phrase Black Lives Matter from the street and makes other symbolic changes. Specifically, the bill demands redesignating Black Lives Matter Plaza to Liberty Plaza and erasing any references to the Black Lives Matter movement from official documents and websites governed by the District of Columbia.
Mayor Bowser’s Announcement
Mayor Bowser’s office confirmed the plans for removal and replacement of the mural. In a recent statement, she indicated that the mural and Black Lives Matter Plaza will be integrated into a broader mural project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This initiative aims to involve local students and artists in creating new artworks throughout the eight wards of the District.
The Broader Implications of Mural Removal
Hostin’s commentary highlights a critical conversation regarding the implications of such removals. Many observers see the dismantling of this mural as a metaphor for the broader challenges faced by movements advocating for social justice. The removal signals not just the loss of public art but also evokes questions about which narratives and histories are preserved or erased in the public sphere.
A Call to Action
As discussions continue over the fate of the Black Lives Matter mural, Hostin’s heartfelt remarks resonate with many supporters of social justice. They illuminate the challenges faced by movements that endeavor to address systemic racism and inequality in society. Her call for awareness and acknowledgment of history serves as an invitation for collective action and dialogue.
