We Need Statehood: Your Guide to Washington DC Statehood Murals

In June 2020, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser commissioned 51 murals to be completed within one week – just in time for June 26th when the U.S. House of Representatives would vote on DC statehood. (The bill passed.)

The fight for DC statehood has been going on for a long time. The topic has been in the news again recently because of that historic vote plus the January 6th storming of the Capitol building. Many people pointed out that if DC had its statehood, it would have been able to mobilize its National Guard units without having to wait for approval from the federal government.

Woman standing in front of brick wall mural that says We Need Statehood

Taxation without Representation

Aside from that autonomy, DC residents would have a lot to gain from statehood. For one, they would gain representation in Congress. Right now, residents have no Congressional representation despite the fact that they pay federal taxes like residents of every other state. Many also count this as a human rights issue. Since 2006, the United Nations Human Rights Committee report has cited the United States for violating the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by denying DC residents their voting rights. DC also became a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization in 2015.

Brick wall of five Washington DC street murals — Side of the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE

One orange and one black and white Washington DC street mural — Side of the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE

As a former DC resident and someone who grew up just outside of the city, this is an important issue and a no-brainer. The Washington DC statehood murals are a great way to bring visibility to the issue and get people involved. It’s also a nice COVID-friendly activity to visit the murals and take some fun pics!

Stay Informed

If you want to stay up to date with what’s happening around the fight for DC statehood or get involved, follow the D.C. Statehood Coalition and its members, including DC Vote and Neighbors United for DC Statehood.

Colorful Washington DC street mural with the words Freedom and Justice

Washington DC street mural with a red rose

The location of all Washington DC statehood murals: 620 T Street NW, 201 Bryant Street NW, 1351 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 2810 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 4608 14th Street NW, 1310 Childress Street NE, 1725 West Virginia Avenue NE, 1333 H Street NE, 640 10th Street NE, 801 West Virginia Avenue SE, 1350 49th Street NE, and 2700 South Capitol Street SE