Thank you so much for signing this petition!!
I want to start off by crediting everydaytourist.ca for the photo used in the petition. They wrote an article a few days ago about saving the mural and I have attached it to this message, if you would like to read it! I also want to recognize Pink Flamingo for being a strong ally for many groups in the city and for working to make this mural a reality.
I would like to reiterate my personal beliefs on the matter. I believe the BLM movement has always stood for inclusivity, while being a staple voice for black lives. "Giving Wings to the Dreams," done by Doug Driediger in 1995, is a piece that was dedicated to the disenfranchised population of Calgary. This population still exists and I believe this location belongs to them, whether that means changing the current piece, or leaving it as is. I think the act of covering this mural for a BLM piece is a poor representation of the movement and has only caused controversy online this past week. This piece should be somewhere that doesn't already have a mural with a message. This would accurately emphasize the message of the BLM movement, that every cause is important and deserving of their own platform. Calgary is a thriving city with many different ethnic groups and communities that we need to embrace equally. BLM needs support right now and I genuinely support a mural, but it just doesn't seem ethical to overshadow another voice in the process.
So far, it has been confirmed that the mural will not be painted over Dougs work. With the initial backlash from the announcement and the support this petition has received, the city is working to find an alternative and more permanent location for the mural. I hope you are all taking this experience as an example of what people can accomplish if they band together. Even though some of the supporters of the petition oppose BLM altogether, this is still an example of people working together to achieve a common goal.
I'm going to leave a some links below to Doug's art, as well as some groups I want to recognize. Again, thank you so much for your support!!
Stay safe,
Maka
Doug Driedigers art:
https://www.dougdriediger.com/
CUPS Calgary:
https://www.cupscalgary.com/
BLM - Canada:
https://blacklivesmatter.ca/
Calgary Black Empowerment Fund:
https://ca.gofundme.com/f/calgary-black-empowerment-fund
Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary:
https://www.afccalgary.org/
Bear Clan Patrol Calgary:
https://www.facebook.com/BearClanCalgary/about