Milwaukee getting 'Black Lives Matter' street mural

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Black Lives Matter street mural is coming to Milwaukee.

The phrase, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ will be painted in giant letters, similar to those being created in cities across the country.

It’ll be near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Locust Street in Harambee, a predominately African-American neighborhood.

Local artists will collaborate on the effort with the leadership of lead artist Vedale Hill.

The project is being commissioned by the City of Milwaukee.

“Part of the reason why we selected that location is its proximity to the police district and the area which has been ground zero with all of the unrests which has occurred,” said Alderwoman Milele Coggs. “Many of the marches have started on King Drive, and though we’ve seen some buildings be disturbed and that kind of thing, we wanted to use art as a healing tool to demonstrate something beautiful.”

The public is invited to help paint the mural during a Juneteenth community art event on Friday, June 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be activities for children.

Masks will be provided and social distancing will be encouraged during the event.

The mural is being sponsored by Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, WestCare Wisconsin, Walmart, X-Men United and Athena Communications.