Preservation and Perseverance: Besa Gordon Talks the Black Lives Matter Mural on Good Day Seattle

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this morning to give updates on the Black Lives Matter mural on Seattle’s Capitol Hill in light of recent acts of vandalism last week. Besa expressed her frustration with the undoubtably malicious behavior. “My first thought was, can we not have nice things?” she said. “This mural is more than just a painting. It was a way for people that felt unseen to know what they are seen, that they are appreciated, and that they are valued.”

Just days after white paint and red Xs were found across the artwork, artists from the Vivid Matter Collective had finished their annual repainting of the mural. Besa explained that after over five years, the mural stands as a symbol of resilience, even in the face of blatant oppression. While the Collective works to preserve the mural, Besa reminded viewers that there is progress to be made in keeping the Black Lives Matter movement alive. “This is the moment for you to realize that the work is not done,” she said. “This is the time for you to rise up and be like, ‘look, we're not going anywhere, and you're not going to steal our shine.”

The full segment on the Black Lives Matter mural repainting will be featured this weekend on Back2Besa, along with other stories that honor legacies and bring community together. Watch Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. and FOX 13+ Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.