Movement for Black Lives Banner Drop

Summer 2020

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, our Austin, Texas hub of the Sunrise Movement acted in solidarity with the demands of Movement for Black Lives and local BIPOC-led racial justice organizations. I co-organized the art build of two extra-large banners, which we displayed from a pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake. The community then used the banners multiple times throughout the summer’s protests, carrying them through the streets and hanging them off of Austin City Hall.

Banner-Making Process

  • The Banners Begin

    Dedicated volunteers created the design, purchased supplies, and began by giving two canvas drop cloths several coats of black paint.

  • Sunshade for Tracing Letters

    Under the blazing Texas sun, youth activists created a makeshift shade structure so that they could see and trace the projected design.

  • Youth activists paint a large banner that reads, "Defund Police."

    A Multiple-Day Process Continues

    With the prep work finally complete, Sunrisers began to paint the messages “Defund police” and “Fund community.”

  • Painting the Design

    Dedicated volunteers contributed long days of labor in the Texas heat.

  • Finishing the Banners

    After painting, Sunrisers reinforced the grommets and securely attached rigging materials.

  • Banner Drop

    With proper planning for safety, the banners were displayed over Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas.