Just because I suspected–and feared–the negative results of November 2024’s presidential elections, that has done nothing to alleviate my dismay as I watch the intentional systemic destruction that has already occurred. So much damage affecting so many in the United States and around the world.
One visible (but completely expected) consequence, was the announcement by the mayor of DC that Black Lives Matter Plaza would be demolished due to pressure by the Trump administration. I have not previously used this forum to overtly express political views, but I am making an exception here.
The two-block-long plaza’s mural was created in June, 2020, after non-violent protesters of the murder of George Floyd were attacked by Federal forces. The simple, but powerful, statement “Black Lives Matter” was emblazoned within easy view of the White House. I found this satellite view to get a full sense of the mural. (Click on the picture for the full image.)
It stood through the final months of Trump’s first term and throughout the administration of President Joe Biden. I had the opportunity to visit the plaza during one of my Seein’ the DMV excursions. I was only able to get a street-level view, but the mural’s power was discernible, nonetheless.
However, within two months of Trump’s return to office, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the “permanent installation” would be dismantled. Work began within days after the announcement–light-speed in comparison to the normal time it takes for such roadwork to begin. This news story about the event described some of the local reaction. The story mentioned an estimated cost exceeding $600K to complete the work. So much for concern about waste and abuse.
The New York Times posted the picture below, which coincidentally is a about a block closer view from the same area I photographed previously. The link to their article can be accessed by clicking their picture:
I admit I have found a multitude of excuses not to witness the destruction myself, but I hope I can scrap enough intestinal fortitude together to do so. If only to pay tribute. I take some comfort in the knowledge that long after the plaza is no more, its purpose will remain, both in images and in the hearts of those who know that “Black Lives Matter.”
More about that later.
Upcoming Plans (Heading West Again) and Some Old Business
On a much happier note, my proposed paper about the upcoming 90th anniversary of Porgy and Bess has been accepted. Below is my anticipated route, which includes stops at two national parks and a presidential library:
We’ll see how close I come to this 4500-mile route in actuality because I’m already contemplating a stop in Ohio, a riverboat trip in St. Louis–both along this route, and diverting to Davenport long enough to fill my cooler with Iowa pork chops. First order of business, of course, is to get the Silver Bullet ready to go.
Also, I was curious about the difference between sites designated as national parks and those as national monuments. In other words, why is Devil’s Tower a national monument and not a park? This 1931 publication, The National Parks Portfolio, was interesting and informative. A National Park Service page has this list of national monuments. Since I’m running short on parks east of the Mississippi River (only Acadia, Isle Royale and Virgin Island are left), I might take in a monument or two reachable with short drives.
Lastly, I had mentioned in an earlier post about my trip to Hawaii that the canned meat Spam was so popular in Hawaii, there was a Spam vending machine in the hotel where I stayed and Spam stuffed toys on sale in the ABC store. I didn’t buy one then, but I have gotten one online and added it to my travels display.