Street Mural Proposed, Mayo Send-Off

Brooke Foy, Rodrecas Davis and Vitus Shell are three local artists that may not be known to many in the Monroe area, but they have a big dream in mind. The three millennial artists went before the Monroe City Council Tuesday (July 14) night to present their presentation of having a Black Lives Matter Street Mural on DeSiard St. in the near future. Saying that mural would be a tribute to the movement that has occurred around the nation following the controversial deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the trio hope that the mural would open a dialogue about racism. "It could be used as a teaching tool, and as a way to teach history and hopefully lead Monroe to a better future", said Davis. Davis said, "would acknowledge the history" the history of Afro-Americans that many are not willing to do and "have discussions" (on race)that is prevalent in many cities across the nation. Mayor Jamie Mayo imitated such a discussion on race several years ago that got the city talking about race relations. But a mural would no doubt increase the level of those discussions, and maybe not in a positive manner. District 1 Councilman Doug Harvey raised that very question when he said that such a mural "may be vandalized and create division" within a community. But the artists speaking as one said that the power of the project "outweighed the risk" but believed that it(mural) was "worth it", because it would bring attention to the issues at hand. The group is expected to make a full presentation at the next scheduled (July 29) city council meeting where the issue of funding will be discussed, in hopes that their project will be added on an upcoming council agenda. Mayor Jamie Mayo was praised for his leadership and almost 20 years of service as mayor by the current city council. Starting with council chairwoman Juanita Woods who was reelected to a second four term, along with Doug Harvey and Gretchen Ezernack, the tributes thanked Mayo for a "steady hand" over some rough years as mayor and wished him well in whatever he was going to do next. Outgoing councilmen Kenneth Wilson (dist. 4)and Eddie Clark(dist. 5)were equally thanked for years of service and for being valuable additions on the city council. Mayor elect "Friday" Ellis and district 5 winner Kema Dawson were also at the city council meeting. Mayor and First Lady Angela Mayo are scheduled to be away from the city over the weekend for some R&R.

Photo Mayor Jamie Mayo