Black Lives Matter Plaza originated in June 2020 during the nationwide protests over George Floyd's death. On June 1 of the year, there was a historic federal crackdown against a peaceful protest near Lafayette Square, spurring the first sparks of BLM Plaza.
A few days after the events in Lafayette Square, DC woke up to a work of public art. The street near the White House had been painted by artists, activists, and DC government employees, supported by Mayor Bowser.