Montreal honouring Black Lives Matter movement with street mural

MONTREAL (CityNews) – Montreal community groups are honouring the Black Lives Matter movement with a massive fresco in French and English.

The words “La Vie des Noirs Comptent” have been painted across Sainte Catherine street in bright white letters about 200-feet long.

“‘La Vie des Noirs Compte’ which is the translation in French for Black Lives Matter. The situation here in Quebec is different but it’s still happening here, so we need to talk about it,” explained Niti Marcel Mueth.

About 20 community organizations and 19 artists joined forces to paint the massive art piece, working July 14 and 15.

It’s one of the ways cities like Toronto and New York have been bringing attention to the struggles faced by black communities – painting Black Lives Matter and defund the police on their streets after the death of George Floyd sparked protests around the world.

“We think it’s important to show people what’s going on. We have to have discussions about it and this is the kind of thing that brings discussion on the table,” said Thierry Carries Naar.

“Never been average- this is something that’s bigger. Yes, it’s just artwork but the movement is beyond the artwork,” said Hanna Che.

“I think this was a great opportunity to show how art can really resonate with people and send a message,” said Harry Julmice.

An independent report last fall found that Black and Indigenous people were 4 to 5 times more likely than others to be stopped by Montreal police. The force says officers will soon be required to fill out a form justifying their reasons for performing a street check.

Community groups say the policy isn’t enough – and there is far more work to be done.

“With everything happening in the States, in Minnesota with George Floyd, it was important to take this opportunity to look at what’s happening locally. I think it’s important for Montreal to be a part of this conversation because a lot of things are happening here as well.”