Efforts to save the Unity Mural gain local media attention

Did you catch the Unity Mural on WETA last week? Perhaps you heard our interview on WTOP?

The P.B.S. channel’s local “Arts” program and D.C. radio station both recently featured Hola Cultura’s decade-long project, chronicling D.C.’s Latine murals and our current effort to save the Unity Mural from demolition, scheduled for next year.

These news reports celebrate the vibrancy and beauty of the murals, while also sharing stories of the communities behind many of the District’s most memorable street art – and why it’s important to preserve murals for future generations to enjoy.

With Hispanic Heritage Month wrapping up today, we are happy to report that we’ve made some progress in our latest effort to save the Unity Mural. We first began negotiating with Pepco executives in 2018 to propose options for preserving the mural – even sponsoring an intern-led petition drive in 2019, which was rejected by the electric utility company. But since we relaunched the campaign last spring, it’s gratifying to see the growing support for preserving this historic mural.

“It’s wonderful that our efforts to save the Unity Mural are getting attention. We can’t do this critical work without community support, and media coverage is a great first step to raising awareness throughout the District,” says Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe, Hola Cultura’s assistant editor.

D.C.’s street murals have long been a part of Latine cultural representation in the city. But many have been destroyed in recent decades and others, including the Unity Mural, are at risk of demolition as the District redevelops and gentrification advances. The destruction of these murals takes with them the sense of belonging that has bonded the city’s Latine residents to the community.

Yoana Reyes-Zapata, Hola Cultura’s organizational communications fellow, spoke with Felicia Curry, host of PBS’s WETA Arts, for an update on its efforts to preserve the Unity Mural, which Pepco plans to take down in mid-2025 as part of its renovation of the Champlain St. NW substation in Adams Morgan. 

“Even just going out and supporting the murals in person can be a big help,” says Reyes-Zapata. “Grab a friend to go visit and review the details that go into these murals … show people that we actually appreciate these pieces of art and what they represent.”

Please sign up and help us fight for the preservation of the Unity Mural. Click here to get involved this fall.

The full WETA Arts program premiered on Oct. 7 but will be aired seven more times before the end of the month. Check out the schedule or stream it now on the free PBS app or on the WETA website. 

– Story by Matthew Macgugan

– Copy edited by Mariana Benitez Arreola