When I was in fifth grade, I learned about Jesse Washington, a young Black man brutally lynched by a mob in Waco, Texas, in 1916. That story has stayed with me ever since. Growing up with a mother who struggled with mental health and often couldn’t advocate for herself, I understood the importance of standing up for what is right.

Fast forward more than a century, and we see the painful truth: hate and racial violence are not relics of the past. Just recently, a man was found hanging in what many suspect to be a racially motivated crime.

There is a mural on the walls of the Waco City Courthouse that depicts a noose and references Jesse Washington's lynching. This isn't just art; it's a grim reminder of a history of racial violence and injustice that still echoes today. Leaving this imagery on display without action is not just insensitive but deeply hurtful to our community and dismissive of the pain endured by the descendants of those who suffered such atrocities.

The presence of this mural in a place meant for justice is in itself an injustice. We need our public spaces, especially those supported by taxpayers, to embrace messages of unity and hope. Public resources and attention should focus on real threats to our safety, such as rapists, child molesters, and killers, rather than allowing a mural to glorify past acts of racial violence.

This is why I am calling on officials of the Waco City Courthouse to remove this mural immediately. By doing so, we not only honor the memory of Jesse Washington but also take a stand against the centuries-long history of racial violence that continues to threaten our modern society. Removing this mural would be a step towards healing the community and fostering a future built on respect and equality for all.

I ask you to sign this petition and stand with me. Let's urge the Waco City Courthouse to do what's right and be a beacon of justice that embraces every member of our community. Sign now to make a change!