Black Lives Matter mural restored after being vandalized twice in same week in Ann Arbor

Executive Director of Survivors Speak, Trische Duckworth, was angry and emotional about the continued vandalism

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A Black Lives Matter mural in Ann Arbor has been restored after it was vandalized for the second time in a week.

The graffiti crossed out the word ‘Black’ and wrote ‘All’ over the letters at Wheeler Park.

The mural was installed last summer on behalf of a partnership between the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department and the organization Survivors Speak.

Executive Director of Survivors Speak, Trische Duckworth, was angry and emotional about the continued vandalism.

“I agree with that, all lives do matter, however, all lives will never matter until Black Lives Matter,” said Duckworth.

The second incident was discovered early Friday (May 12) morning, a week after the first incident.

Both times, the city worked quickly to remove the graffiti in a matter of hours.

Police have also been made aware of the situation and say they’re looking for the person or people responsible.

Ann Arbor City Councilmember Cynthia Harrison plans to discuss the matter at Monday’s (May 15) meeting.

“It creates a situation where people like me don’t feel safe,” said Harrison.

Harrison says the graffiti is hate messaging.

“We won’t tolerate it,” Harrison said. “We’re going to continue to get rid of it, and I’m going to continue spreading the message every chance I get to let folks know why that shouldn’t be happening.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Ann Arbor police.


About the Authors

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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