Black, Indigenous People Of Color (BIPOC) in the Port Townsend community are hosting an event; please feel welcome to show up in support, to witness and hold space for this event.
After receiving approval from the Port Townsend City Council, and an outpouring of support from community members, plans to install street art in downtown Port Townsend are in action! Lead by BIPOC locals, a team of volunteers will be painting the phrase “Black Lives Matter” on the surface of Water Street, between Madison and Monroe Streets, in front of the Pope Marine Park. The piece will span about 200 feet, with letters 15 feet high. This is the first installation of a two-phase project, approved by the City of Port Townsend. Materials for the street art—consisting of water-based street paint—have been funded by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.
While the entire community is welcome, BIPOC community members will be taking the lead on the design, layout, and painting of this street art project. We invite the rest of the community to witness, and if called upon, assist with this project. It is imperative that we as a community come together in a way to support our BIPOC neighbors, and allow the message to be said in their own voice.
The piece is to be completed ahead of the Juneteenth Freedom March at Pope Marine Park on Friday. The street art installation will commence Thursday, June 18, 2020. The BIPOC community is invited to arrive as early as 1:00pm to construct and design the layout. Once this design direction has been established, volunteers are welcome to join at 4:00pm. Painting can continue into the night if necessary.
We encourage all who show up to please wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, bring water and snacks, and support local businesses. Carpooling, walking, and biking are highly recommended, as parking downtown is limited.
The Juneteenth Freedom March will begin at 11:00am on Friday at Pope Marine Park, coordinated locally by Black Lives Matter of Jefferson County.
Read related article in The Leader: Council OKs downtown ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural.
