When a beloved mural of Martin Luther King, Jr., vanished from the corner of NW Seventh Avenue and 62nd Street in early November, it jolted a group of black artists and civic leaders. The painting, created by the late Miami artist Oscar Thomas, has since been hastily returned to its original location, but the controversy continues.
Critics say the mural was handled carelessly and was damaged when it was rehung.
And in moving Thomas's work without seeking advice from the public and from local artists, those critics charge, the MLK showed disrespect for the community it serves. That's our shrine. At least you could tell the community what your plans are. The realization that this Liberty City icon had been moved to make way for a check-cashing business added a disturbing symbolism. Popular Cash Express hoped to put its front entrance at the spot where the artwork had hung and to move the mural into a position above its new front door.