Article by Kathy Jennings published in Second Wave

Plywood boards covering the windows of downtown Kalamazoo businesses became the “canvases” for murals by 36 artists over the weekend. By Sunday night they were covered with images of hope and messages of solidarity for those seeking racial equity and an end to the injustices and suffering caused by racism.

The boards went up earlier in the week after about a dozen businesses were looted the night of June 1. Not knowing whether further property destruction would be taking place as protests continue, local business owners and landlords took precautions to protect their merchandise and property by boarding them up the next day, says Jennifer Jelenek, Chief Operating Officer for Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership.

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