Community member Steven Young is currently collecting 1,000 signatures to aid his proposition to have “a vibrant mural on East Colonial Ave to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s life and message.” The mural in question—proposing us to “Imagine East Colonial Ave alive with BOLD FONT a mural of Charlie's name and a Cross representing his faith in Jesus Christ”—immediately received negative feedback from the community, so we are organizing a second petition to make sure the opposing voices of community members are heard.

Please consider signing this petition if:

• You believe downtown art and murals should celebrate locals or people who have visited Elizabeth City
• You disagreed with Charlie Kirk’s views, political or otherwise
• You feel that seeing Charlie Kirk represented downtown in a public space could be triggering to you or others
• You are a Christian, and don’t believe in idolizing men over Jesus Christ
• You want Elizabeth City to be recognized for its locals, not individuals with no direct affiliation
• You feel that an individual known for weaponizing religion for their political agenda should not represent our city

Kirk was an extremely divisive figure whose views primarily represent those of white Christian nationalists, with much of his rhetoric including viewpoints and agendas that are homophobic, sexist, and racist—qualities that have no business being represented in a public space in our city’s downtown. Furthermore, the proposed placement of this mural, adjacent to the Black Lives Matter mural, feels extremely inappropriate and could be taken as a direct jab against the movement, as Kirk can be quoted as stating various crass, insensitive, or cruel comments that speak directly against Black individuals and entities or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion across different races, religions, expressions of identity, and backgrounds.

While we understand there are members of our community who feel passionate about this mural, there are also many of us who feel that we can beautify our city and East Colonial Ave without creating public shrines to a controversial man, like Charlie Kirk. Should individual churches or private entities wish to pursue such a mural on private property—as is the case with the mural of Andrew Brown, as many have pointed out—that is their right. However, we feel our downtown space and the community at large should be focused on ways to unite, not to divide.

We urge the City Council to take all of Elizabeth City’s opinions into consideration and encourage the mural to be painted on private property. We, the organizers of this petition, recognize that Charlie Kirk’s death is nothing other than a violent tragedy and has negatively impacted community members such as Steven Young. However, we encourage him and others to get the help they need to heal at their own pace, without affecting the daily lives and public representation of the rest of our community.  

UPDATE: This petition is being presented at the Elizabeth City City Council meeting on Monday, October 27th.