Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

Eyes on the Street: Hollywood All Black Lives Matter Mural Shrunk

In June, volunteers painted a mural stating "ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER" on Hollywood Boulevard, immediately west of Highland Avenue. The "all" and the colors chosen affirm the lives of the Black transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ communities.

The mural was initially three lanes tall, and was intended to be removed at the end of the All Black Lives Matter march. The city temporarily preserved the mural by blocking off two lanes of traffic.

Hollywood's All Black Lives Matter mural back in June 2020
Hollywood's three-lanes-tall All Black Lives Matter mural back in June 2020
false
The letters were and are painted in the colors of the transgender, nonbinary and pride flags
The letters were and are painted in the colors of the transgender, nonbinary, and gay pride flags
false

Then, at the urging of City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, the city decided to preserve the mural for posterity. Well, sort of. Apparently three lanes of traffic is a bit much to dedicate to such a mural, so the city trimmed it down to a single median lane. The city wouldn't want any kind of commemoration to get in the way of drivers getting from one end of the city to the other.

The shrinkage feels symbolic of the way the city and the city council in general, and Mitch O'Farrell in particular, have too often half-assed city projects, especially involving protections for vulnerable constituents. O'Farrell represents one of the most politically progressive areas in the country. Yet he is more likely to be heard giving lip service to progressive policy while perpetuating an unjust status quo.

O'Farrell claimed to protect renters while casting a deciding vote against renter protections under COVID-19. He urged the state to protect street vendors while pushing vendors out of park space in his district. He supported temporary and permanent supportive housing, but doubled down on inhumane sweeps of his unhoused constituents, especially in Echo Park. On Temple Street, he implemented very modest safety improvements, while omitting the proven safety of a lane reduction.

Especially in the light of the recent attack on three transgender women (very near the street mural site) and ongoing police brutality toward communities of color, O'Farrell and the city need to move beyond the shallowest of commemorations, and take real steps toward ensuring that all Black lives - including transgender ones - are truly protected and uplifted.

All Black Lives Matter is now one lane wide, an innocuous median
All Black Lives Matter is now one lane wide - an unobtrusive median
false
Drivers 4, Mural 1
Hollywood's' shrinking mural doesn't do much to uplift All Black Lives
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Wednesday’s Headlines

A larger than usual headlines stack as we careen towards the 4th of July.

July 2, 2025

Inner Richmond Parents Fed Up with SFMTA Watering Down Safety

Mother of a child hit by a driver furious with city excuses for not taking daylighting and other safety measures seriously.

July 2, 2025

Governor Signs Major Changes to CEQA to Cheers from YIMBYs, Jeers from Environmental Groups

Newsom fast tracked changes to CEQA to fast track development and housing. But what do the changes to the law actually do?

July 1, 2025

Santa Monica and West Hollywood Bus Lane/Stop Enforcement Programs Start Today

Don't block the bus! Parking in a bus lane or at a bus stop will result in a $293 ticket.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

Gov Signs CEQA Bill to Increase Housing, Higher Fees on Parking and Tolls, Opposition to Road Widenings, ICE

July 1, 2025

Does Constant Driving Really Make Our Country Richer?

A new study reveals that constant driving is making America less productive and prosperous — and getting people on other modes could help right the ship.

June 30, 2025
See all posts