Proposed Black Lives Matter mural is ‘racist,’ North Carolina city leader says
A North Carolina city leader said a proposed Black Lives Matter mural was “racist” — and suggested a message indicating all lives matter would be more appropriate.
Charles Rivenbark, a Wilmington city councilman, said he opposed the possible art installation during an agenda briefing on Monday.
“If Black lives are the only ones that matter, you’ve got a problem,” Rivenbark said in video from the meeting. “That’s racist. Because you’ve got Hispanics. We have a melting pot of people here in this town. And I can imagine a small white child seeing that like, ‘What about white lives?’”
The remarks came during a sometimes tense discussion about a sign that could stand 8 feet tall in the Jervay park area, according to online meeting agenda documents. The city says a group is “seeking approval to create a public and symbolic display that is intended to convey that our community supports efforts to end racism and create a better community.”
The topic is up for further consideration on Tuesday, according to city officials.
Rivenbark on Monday afternoon didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
Wilmington, a city near the North Carolina coast, has experienced cultural clashes in recent weeks.
Last month, three police officers accused of using “hate-filled” language were fired, McClatchy News reported. A day after the announcement, officials said safety concerns prompted them to take down two Confederate statues.
Renewed debate has also erupted over the names of Robert E. Lee Drive and other streets named after people with links to the Confederacy.
This story was originally published July 20, 2020 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Proposed Black Lives Matter mural is ‘racist,’ North Carolina city leader says."
