Texas Covers Up Beloved 'Black Artists Matter' Mural in Austin

On July 2, 2026, Austin officials removed the notable 'Black Artists Matter' mural from East Austin's 11th Street, following Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott's directive to eliminate 'political ideologies' from public roadways. This mural, created by numerous community members during racial justice demonstrations in June 2020 after George Floyd's death, was a project spearheaded by the Austin Justice Coalition and Capitol View Arts. Abbott's order, issued last fall, warned that cities failing to comply could lose roadway funding, citing safety and uniformity concerns. Critics argue this action erases Black and LGBTQ+ history. Ishia Adams, executive director of the Austin Justice Coalition, remarked that the removal reflects ongoing erasure of Black individuals in Austin. The mural was situated in the Sixth Square District, historically segregated and now recognized as the city's Black Cultural District, near the historic Victory Grill and Kenny Dorham's Backyard arts nonprofit. By August, at least 15 other street artworks, including LGBTQ+ rainbow crosswalks, are also set for removal. Despite Austin officials seeking an exemption in November, citing crash data that indicated no safety issues, Abbott's administration denied the request in May. This order parallels a similar initiative in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis, which resulted in arrests related to a Pulse memorial crosswalk.