Black Lives Matter mural repainted in Santa Cruz after vandalism

A Black Lives Matter mural that was previously vandalized in front of Santa Cruz City Hall got a new paint job over the weekend.

Santa Cruz Equity collaborated with multiple community members to patch up the mural.

The mural, originally painted during the 2020 racial protests, has been repainted multiple times before.

Some say that people should always practice equality, not just when the mural draws public attention…

Organizers say the mural is just one step toward practicing equality, but it is not the final step.

"The mural is a place for us to start the work around highlighting black lives in our community, especially Santa Cruz," Speak for Change podcast host Thomas Sage Pedersen said. "It's not enough as a mural in itself, but it's a place for conversation. Remember black lives matter. It sucks that we have to keep on saying it but that's the truth."

The mural was vandalized back in 2021 and 2023. People are hoping it won't happen a third time.