Two Pastors Arrested Protesting Black History Mural Removal St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay

Two pastors, Rev. Andy Oliver and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman, were arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida, for protesting the removal of a “Black History Matters” mural outside the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. They sat on the road blocking the mural's removal by Florida Department of Transportation crews, defying repeated police orders, and were charged with misdemeanor obstruction before being released on bail. The mural, painted in 2020 and modified in 2023, was part of a broader state effort ordered by Governor Ron DeSantis to remove street murals deemed safety hazards or political messages, including other artworks on the University of South Florida St. Pete campus and LGBTQ+ themed murals. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed reluctance to oppose the state’s actions, urging residents to obey the law to protect the city's long-term interests. The removal campaign has sparked protests and controversy, highlighting ongoing tensions over public art, protest rights, and state authority in Florida. The pastors called for continued recognition of Black history and urged community support for the museum.