“Black Lives Matter” Rally for Oakland’s Stolen Breonna Taylor Sculpture

Submitted by the Event Organizer

A rally is being planned by the artist of the Breonna Taylor sculpture in Oakland that was vandalized and stolen.

Rally with the Artist – 12/29 at 3:30pm
The ceramic sculpture of Breonna Taylor has been stolen and likely completely destroyed. The vandals are continuing their campaign of intimidation against the Black Lives Matter Movement and we must resist their attempt to erase Breonna’s image. I will be hosting a press conference and rally at Latham Square at 3:30 today where we will be filling the base with concrete.

Update 12/29/20 at 12:37pm – Please note we don’t see this rally listed on social media anywhere, so details may change, but were messaged directly by the artist. Follow Leo Carson on Facebook and Instagram

Just two weeks ago, a sculpture of Breonna Taylor (a Kentucky woman who was killed by police inside her home in Louisville earlier this year) was installed in Oakland’s Latham Square.

Learn More: Facebook | GoFundMe | KQED

The day after Christmas, the bust was smashed and partially destroyed. On December 29, the bust was completely gone.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched, seeking $5,000 to help artist Leo Carson rebuild the sculpture. As of December 29th the fundraiser was at $19,966 from 440 different people including one from Leo Housekeeper earlier this morning for the entire $5,000 requested.

The artist seemed to be aware of the possibility of the sculpture disappearing having posted on Facebook on December 20th “I’ve since received threats to take it down and also encouragement from neighbors and community. I’m not sure how long it will stay up, but I hope it’s for a long time.”

Any additional funds left over after the rebuild will be donated to Breonna Taylor’s Family.

Rebuild the Breonna Taylor Sculpture in DT Oakland
GoFundMe

After spending months creating this artwork it was incredible to see the community and neighbors taking photos and enjoying it. Now I am devastated and enraged to see it in pieces. This was an act of racist aggression and we need to show them we will not stand for it.

Several people have reached out asking about how they can help with the repairs. The best way to prevent further damage would be to rebuild her in bronze. As an unemployed server this isn’t something I can afford to do on my own.

The bronze casting process will take months to complete and the base will also have to be reconstructed to support the additional weight.

Any funds over the cost of rebuilding will be donated to Breonna Taylor’s family

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Carson (@leo_carson_art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Carson (@leo_carson_art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Carson (@leo_carson_art)

On Monday, December 21st there was a newly erected #SayHerName bust of Breonna Taylor in Downtown Oakland.

Today, the day after Christmas, it’s now destroyed.

Credit for the art is listed as Leo Carson / leo_carson_art on Instagram pic.twitter.com/jwu2H5A65s

— Amir Aziz (@aziaticblack) December 26, 2020

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.