BLACK LIVES MATTER Mural Timeline
Santa Cruz Equity Collab, a co-led initiative, was founded in response to the 2020 nationwide Black Lives Matter movement and a historic reckoning against racialized systemic injustice.
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September 12, 2020 Santa Cruz Equity Collab’s Black Lives Matter (BLM) mural was painted by over five hundred community members, becoming a BLM mural unanimously approved by way of the Santa Cruz City Council.
Since the initial painting, the mural has been vandalized twice:
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Once on July 23, 2021
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Again on July 29, 2023
Both occurred after gatherings to repaint in June 2021 and 2023, which worked to reestablish the sentiment of the landmark of public art. The first vandalism was prosecuted with an enhancement of a hate crime, the perpetrators being two white men who drove burnouts into the mural.
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April 23, 2023 a community meeting was held in partnership with the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County’s Reconciliation Project with support from Santa Cruz County Adult Probation Department to create initiatives of healing and accountability.
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May 2, 2024 a community picnic was hosted to reconnect with community members and the two men who defaced the mural.
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January 2025, the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County (CRC) releases a report addressing the vandalism’s impact and SCEC’s restorative mediations.
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January 20, 2025 a local civil rights activist self-immolated on the BLM mural as an act of political protest coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the presidential inauguration.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
SCEC’s efforts to build professionally mediated conversation spaces through partnership with CRC prioritized a redirection from carceral state energy to instead practice an educational and transformative approach where opportunity for healing can address the injustice.
RESTITUTION
While public facing approaches to restoration occurred, like discourse and apologies, the court mandated the men settle the cost of their damage to the Black Lives Matter mural and their personal accountability has not yet been met. 288 total hours of probationary community service and public apologies do not account for the unpaid but mandated restitution repayment of $19,623 to SCEC.
"Unlike the criminal legal system, which focuses on identifying guilt and imposing punishment, restorative justice prioritizes healing for those harmed, meaningful accountability for those who caused harm, and the safety and restoration of the affected community" (CRC, Vautier 4)
- Beyond Punishment: A Community-Led Restorative Justice Approach to Hate Crime
Help Spread the Word!
Be part of the movement for justice and equity in Santa Cruz! The SC Equity Collab is organizing another community BLM mural event, Collage and Dialogue on September 19th, 2026, and we need your help to make it a success.
FREE EVENT:
11am - 2pm @ Resource Center for Nonviolence
How You Can Help:
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Share on social media using #SQEquityCollab #BLMSantaCruz
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Forward to friends and family who might want to participate or donate
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Post in community groups to support outreach
Every share helps us build a stronger, more inclusive Santa Cruz community. This mural isn't just paint on pavement—it's a symbol of our ongoing commitment to racial justice and equity for all.
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Support Our Work!
Your financial contribution helps SC Equity Collab continue our important work in the Santa Cruz community. From supplies for the BLM mural repaint to educational programs and community events, every dollar makes a difference.
Where Your Money Goes
When you donate, your contribution directly supports:
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Paint and materials for the mural
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Event permits and safety equipment
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Community education initiatives
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Documentation of our projects
How to Donate
We partner with Yoga for All Movement, who handles our donations so we can focus on our mission. When you click the button below, you'll be directed to their secure donation page, but rest assured - 100% of your contribution comes to SC Equity Collab's projects
All donations are tax-deductible through our friends at Yoga for All Movement. Together, we're building a more equitable Santa Cruz!
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