E Pine Black Lives Matter mural vandalized

The Black Lives Matter mural on E Pine in Seattle was recently vandalized, with white paint defacing multiple letters between September 27 and September 30. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) confirmed it is collaborating with the artists, Vivid Matter Collective, to restore the mural. Cleanup efforts will involve hydro-blasting and pressure washing to remove the paint. Originally created in 2020 during protests against police violence, the mural serves as a significant community symbol. Last month, Vivid Matter Collective organized an annual repainting to preserve the artwork.

SDOT has expressed its commitment to maintaining this piece of public art. District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth has allocated budget funds for murals as part of her public safety strategy. Additionally, Seattle Parks is working on a new memorial in Cal Anderson Park to commemorate the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.