BLM Sign at Brooklyn Public Library

In June 2020, following the tragic police killing of George Floyd in May, protests against police brutality and racism erupted nationwide. Thousands of Brooklyn residents gathered at Grand Army Plaza to advocate for change. Although Central Library was closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, its plaza became a vital hub for protests, performances, and teach-ins.

As the library could not host in-person programming, and recognizing our plaza’s role as a gathering space during this pivotal moment, staff collaborated on ways to support the community convening outside of Central Library. As a result, a temporary vinyl sign displaying the letters "BLM" was installed above the entrance of the building to express solidarity with the movement for Black lives. In anticipation of building renovations, the sign was removed in 2024, and its significance has been commemorated with the establishment of the BLM Collection at the Center for Brooklyn History. This dynamic collection features submissions from library staff and the public reflecting on their memories and associations with this important symbol, marking a significant chapter in Brooklyn's history.

All are welcome to submit their reflections through this form, and a curated selection of the collection will be available on this page. This collection will continue to evolve as more submissions are added.