WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 21st, 2023.
Later in the program, The Bloomington Board of Public Works recently turned down an application by the IU Chapter of the conservative group Turning Point USA for an “All Lives Matter” mural on Kirkwood. More in today’s local headlines.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Disabulletin – where we cover the top stories impacting the disability community across the country and around the world – hosted by Abe Shapiro. But first, your local headlines.
Bloomington Board of Public Works Denies Turning Point USA’s Mural Application
During the March 14th meeting of the Bloomington Board of Public Works, the board heard a request from Turning Point USA at Indiana University to paint an “All Lives Matter” street mural. City Attorney Michael Rouker gave some background information on the controversial proposal. He said that city staff recommends the board deny Turning Point’s special events application.
Applicant Kyle Reynolds who represents Turning Point USA was given the opportunity to make a comment. Reynolds said that Turning Point USA would sue if the board denied the application.
During public comment, concerned resident Heidi Darling urged the board to strike down the proposal. She described the phrase “All Lives Matter” as a denial to the existence of racial injustice in response to the phrase “Black Lives Matter.”.
Next, Bloomington Bagel Company Owner Sue Aquila offered public comment saying that the mural would be inappropriate and would send an unwelcoming message to people on Kirkwood Avenue. She labeled the proposal as “veiled racism.”
Then, Executive Committee Member of the Monroe County Branch of the NAACP Ruth Aydt urged the board to deny the proposal. She said that the words “All Lives Matter” have been used to shut down important conversations on racial injustice in the United States. She called out Bloomington’s recent history of racial discrimination.
President of the Monroe County Chapter of the NAACP Maqubè Reese said discrimination is still prevalent today. She called out what she believes is the hypocrisy and performative nature of the phrase “All Lives Matter.”
The board voted to unanimously deny the street mural proposal. The Board of Public Works will meet again for their regular session on March 28th.
Feature Report:
Now it’s time for Disabulletin – where we cover the top stories impacting the disability community across the country and around the world – hosted by Abe Shapiro. We turn to Shapiro for more.
Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider and Kade Young, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Abe Shapiro.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
