The Black Lives Matter (BLM) unparalleled historical movement has continued to gather steam against all the adversities of an unusual year. While the breaking point were the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the undeniable truth is that discrimination and racism are a heavy burden that America hasn’t been able to shed.  

On June 5th 2020, after weeks of protests and a general climate of confrontation, DC mayor Muriel Browser had the words Black Lives Matter painted in bold yellow along a section of 16th Street leading to the White House. With that performative action, City Hall showed their support and backing to the people of Washington who claimed justice and recognition for citizens who were victims of police brutality across the country. Soon after, that section of the 16th Street was unofficially renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza, and stood as a clear call for justice. 

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) embraced the initiative and commissioned Moya Design Partners to develop eight street light banners for Black Lives Matter Plaza. The silhouettes in the design represent the impact violence has had and still has on Black identities, and serve as a visible reminder of the DowntownDC BID’s commitment to honor the victims and their families through actions and policies. 

For MOYA, BLM signifies solidarity and unity in the face of adversity. Our firm is diverse and plural – these are our values.  In this pivotal moment, we believe our place is with those whose struggle for justice and dignity exemplify the best of human nature.  

On Tuesday, October 20th 2020, the DC council voted to make Black Lives Matter Plaza the permanent and official name of the former 16th Street. To commemorate this symbolic milestone, the DowntownDC BID and Moya Design Partners decided to create T-shirts sporting the same silhouettes from the banners, along with the names of the last 100 victims of state-sanctioned violence. The proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts will fund the DowntownDC BID’s efforts and actions to improve the lives of DC residents and support the BLM movement.    

It all adds up.  

At MOYA, we understand the power of symbols and we hope our humble contribution will serve to further the cause of justice. #SAYTHEIRNAMES