Seattle Parks working on plan for new memorial in Cal Anderson marking CHOP and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests UPDATE

Seattle Parks is set to create a new memorial in Cal Anderson Park, coinciding with the five-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder and the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests. The new installation aims to honor Seattle's Black and BIPOC communities and provide a space for reflection and advocacy. Community input will be central to the design process, as emphasized by a park spokesperson. This project follows the recent removal of the Black Lives Memorial Garden, which was deemed necessary for turf restoration. A contract with Vivid Matters Collective is in the works to facilitate community engagement and design collaboration.

The collective has previously managed the Black Lives Matter mural on E Pine, which serves as a landmark of the 2020 protests. Although no budget has been set, the city plans to seek grants and funding opportunities as the project develops. This memorial represents a continued commitment to addressing racial justice and the legacy of the protests in Seattle.