ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — While murals in Tampa and St. Petersburg have been erased, a new one appeared overnight.
What You Need To Know
The words “Black History Matters” appeard outside of Woodson African American Museum in St Pete
The makeshift mural showed up days after a mural that had been in place for years was painted over last Friday
No one knows who painted the words
The words “Black History Matters” now stretch across 9th Avenue, outside the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
Painted in large white letters on the roadway, the makeshift mural showed up days after a mural that had been in place for years was painted over last Friday.
“Resistance is where we are in the current climate and those who are resisting. I find no fault with it,” said Terry Lipsy Scott, executive director of the Woodson Museum.
She said she has no idea who repainted the mural.
Artist John Gascot also said he does not know who is responsible. Gascot helped paint the original “Black Lives Matter” mural in 2020, which was later replaced with a “Black History Matters” mural in 2023.
“I think it’s awesome that somebody—or somebodies—came out in the middle of the night to send a message that we’re not deterred, and we’re not giving up,” Gascot said. “I’m glad this mural is being fought for.”
Gascot, who has worked as an artist for 20 years, said his art explores current times, celebrates culture, and encourages people to bring their own interpretations.
“To just witness how art can heal communities, bring people together, and help bridge differences—that’s powerful,” he said.
For him, the murals are more than decoration. He believes they affirm communities that have historically felt ignored or displaced.
“These murals give people a sense of belonging, and they give visitors a sense of safety and welcome,” Gascot said.