Atlanta Paints The Streets To Honor Anniversary Of Orlando Massacre

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/20k-support-midtown-rainbow-it-signifies-the-lgbtq-community-is-part-of-atlantas-story/525743399
Credit: John Spink

The city of Atlanta, Georgia has unveiled a powerful new detail to the urban landscape. Following a petition that gathered over 20,000 signatures, the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue will now permanently feature a broad, bright rainbow painted on the crosswalks.

The artwork is more than a reference to Atlanta’s rich and progressive culture, it is a memorial to the 49 people who lost their lives last year in the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Called the worst mass shooting in modern American history, on June 12, 2016 assailant Omar Mateen opened fire in the nightclub with a semi-automatic assault rifle. 

http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/260668789-story
Credit: Fox 5 Atlanta

“For the past year, Atlanta has grieved alongside Orlando,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in a press release. “Our city has rallied around our LGBT community, and we have not shied from demonstrating our unity and solidarity. And with this spirit, I cannot think of a more important time to reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified support for our LGBTQ residents.”

The petition was headed up by LGBTQ advocate Sarah Rose. “It signifies that the LGBTQ community is part of Atlanta’s story,” Rose told local Atlanta news WSB-TV. “And I think it’s important to recognize that like any other part of our history.

http://inhabitat.com/atlanta-makes-rainbow-crosswalks-permanent-as-a-symbol-of-unity/atlanta-rainbow-crosswalks-2
Credit: Inhabitat

The sidewalks were originally painted in June of 2015, to celebrate Pride month. Supporters are calling the 10th Street and Piedmont location “the ‘epicenter’ of Atlanta’s LGBTQ district”, with most Pride month events being held annually in the area.

Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell hopes more neighbourhoods will follow suit by decorating their respective areas. “I believe this is a model for what we can do for the entire city,” Mitchell told WSB-TV. “There are neighborhoods that may want to show their neighborhood spirit at a particular intersection and this can be the model.”

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