Hollywood

The Laugh Factory Unveils 148-Foot-Long BLM Mural

"The artwork inspires us to support accountability and meaningful change as we work together to create pathways that heal our nation,'' the Laugh Factory owner said.

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The Laugh Factory sent a serious message Tuesday by unveiling a 148-foot-long mural as a tribute to Black Lives Matter.

"This mural is an important avenue for Black artists to present societal challenges in a public and impactful way through the lens of their experiences,'' club owner Jamie Masada said about the painting, which is believed to be one of the largest in the nation created in tribute to BLM.

Five Black artists -- Alexandra Allie Belisle, Amanda Ferrell Hale, Noah Humes, PeQue Brown and Shplinton -- created the mural commissioned by The Laugh Factory and Los Angeles Fourth District Councilman David Ryu.

"The artwork inspires us to support accountability and meaningful change as we work together to create pathways that heal our nation,'' Masada said.

Brown said it was an "incredible honor'' to contribute to the mural.

"Yet at the same time, it is disgusting and outrageous that there is a need for such a mural in 2020, 157 years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation,'' Brown said. "Nevertheless, the support of the community and enthusiasm for the project has given me a great sense of hope that the stain of racism may for the first time in my life be getting its long needed attendance.''

The Laugh Factory representatives said the location has served as a staging area for a number of significant BLM and Black Women Lead events during the last two months. Thousands of people have gathered outside the club in the streets of Hollywood to peacefully honor the life of George Floyd -- who was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day -- and others as well as call for racial equity and equal justice under the law, the comedy club owners stated.

"Of all the public art we've brought to District Four, this is by far the most meaningful,'' Ryu said. "A mural alone cannot achieve justice, but it can play an important role to inform, inspire and keep alive the conversation about the systemic reforms needed in our country. I'm honored to partner with these artists and the Laugh Factory to bring this work to my district.''

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