HOUSTON – For lifelong Houston residents like myself, the city’s most famous mural feels like it’s been part of the city forever. However, the words “Be Someone” didn’t appear over I-45 until 2012.
In just 13 years, though, the big blue letters have become one of Houston’s most recognizable (and most tampered with) landmarks.
RELATED: ’Be Someone’: Some of the many times that the iconic sign has been altered
I remember when, at one point, the “Be Someone” letters were all in red letters, which threw me off, because I had recently moved back to Houston from San Antonio. I was just happy to know it was back after it was changed due to certain historical moments.
MORE: Police investigate group that repainted Houston’s ‘Be Someone’ bridge over I-45
Here’s a look back at how Houston’s most famous mural has changed over the years:
2012: The beginning
An anonymous artist painted “Be Someone” across the Union Pacific bridge in September 2012. It quickly caught on as a citywide mantra.
2015: First challenges
By 2015, defacings and repaintings became common; each time the phrase returned, often within days.
2016–2017: Super Bowl spotlight
In January 2017, the words were replaced with “Football” as Houston hosted Super Bowl LI. By year’s end, it morphed into “Be One.”
2018–2019: Mattress Mac and memes
In May 2018, the mural honored local philanthropist Jim “Mattress Mac” McIngvale with “BE MATTRESS MAC.” Later came versions like “Be Sus,” a nod to internet slang. There was also one time when it was partially painted over in black.
Despite the changes, Houstonians kept restoring the original message.
2020: Pandemic and protests
As COVID-19 spread, the mural read “Wash Ur Hands.” Later that summer, it became “George Floyd” in tribute, then “Vote or Die” leading up to the election.
2021–2022: Return and reinvention
By 2021, “Be Someone” was restored yet again. In 2022, it was reworked into “No War Know Peace,” reflecting global tensions in Ukraine.
2023: Legal battles
Artist Chandrika Metivier faced charges after altering the mural with slogans like “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
Metivier not only admitted to her involvement but also said it was not her first time painting over the sign, revealing she was behind the paintings back in Aug. 2021, and again in June 2022.
Those charges were later dismissed, sparking debates about free expression and ownership.
2025: Crypto clash and community comeback
This spring, the mural was covered with “Mog Coin,” a cryptocurrency promotion.
In June, three Houston teens spent two nights repainting the original blue-on-black design — only for Union Pacific and Houston police to launch an investigation, saying the work caused nearly $10,000 in damage.
Why it matters
Through every change, the mural’s original message keeps coming back. And with a criminal investigation underway, its moral integrity is back in the spotlight.
For many Houstonians, “Be Someone” is more than paint on a bridge; it’s a reminder of resilience, identity, and possibility. If history is any guide, Houstonians will continue to reclaim it — but the question remains: what will the bridge say tomorrow?
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