Benton Harbor Community unveils 'Black Lives Matter' mural

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Benton Harbor is now home to a Black Lives Matter mural. The words are etched across the street right in front of the Benton Harbor High School.

Now, on August 9 the community plans to gather in front of Benton Harbor High School at 3 p.m. for the dedication service. There will be speeches from pastors, city officials, and guest speaker Gwenn Carr. Carr's son, Eric Gartner died in 2014 while he was in police custody in New York. 

Citizen activist and organizer, Trenton Bowens said the service will be uplifting and encouraging. 

“It’s going to be a call of action with our local community, encouraging people to get involved and take a hold of their community and to also fight for injustices,” Bowens said. 

After seeing murals pop up all over the country, Bowens said he wanted to make the first stride in bringing the statement to Southwest Michigan.

“With all of us putting each work into it, we can change the face of Southwest Michigan, we can change Berrien County. We can play a pivotal part in addressing the racism that goes on,” Bowens said. 

 The community painted the mural to remind students and children of Benton Harbor that they matter, filling each letter with a handprint that symbolizes unity and togetherness.

“It’s a philosophy that I believe in. Hand in hand, together we can, and we are stronger together when we work together and that’s why you see here your blacks your whites, we’re all working together,” Bowens said.