We, the undersigned residents of Elizabeth City, respectfully urge the City Council and Arts Commission to reject the proposal to install a public mural honoring Charlie Kirk.

While we mourn the loss of any life to political violence, we believe a city-sponsored mural dedicated to Charlie Kirk would be divisive, politically charged, and harmful to community unity.

Charlie Kirk was a deeply polarizing public figure. His rhetoric and activism sparked strong disagreement across the nation, and many in our own community do not share his views. A publicly displayed mural in his honor would risk being perceived as an official endorsement of his ideology, rather than a neutral expression of remembrance. Elizabeth City’s public spaces should belong to everyone, not serve as symbols of partisan identity or conflict.

Public art should bring residents together, not deepen political divides or invite controversy, vandalism, or protest. Installing a mural of such a contentious figure would distract from Elizabeth City’s reputation for community spirit, resilience, and inclusiveness.

Instead of honoring a single political personality, the city could consider alternative projects that promote unity and healing—such as a mural or memorial dedicated to the values of peace, democracy, and mutual respect, or to all victims of political violence regardless of ideology.

We believe Elizabeth City’s walls should reflect what unites us as neighbors, not what divides us. For that reason, we respectfully ask that the City Council and Arts Commission decline the proposed Charlie Kirk mural and instead pursue public art that represents the dignity, compassion, and shared values of our entire community.

Signed,
Haley Norelle
Elizabeth City, North Carolina