Your murals are coming down for a new school, DMV.

Here's what people need to understand—they’re tearing down the murals around Tubman Elementary School in Columbia Heights, making way for the new building. Now, if you know anything about Tubman, you know those murals aren't just paint on a wall. They're community history, vibrant reflections of Black identity, and the legacy of Harriet Tubman herself. For years, walking by that school on 11th Street NW, those murals told a story to anyone who passed. Betam important, you know?

### What This Means for Columbia Heights

This isn't just about construction; it's about what we choose to preserve as a city and what gets erased.

* **Community Identity:** These murals were a visual testament to the rich cultural heritage of Columbia Heights, a neighborhood that has seen its share of changes. They spoke to generations.

* **Art as History:** Public art in D.C., especially in historically Black neighborhoods, often serves as an unofficial archive. It tells stories that might not make it into textbooks.

* **The Price of Progress:** While everyone wants a new school, the question is always: at what cost to the existing cultural fabric? Is there a way to integrate the spirit of those murals into the new design, or archive them properly?

It's a tough pill to swallow when you see pieces of the city's soul disappear, even for a good cause like a new school. We talk a lot about progress in D.C., about growth and new developments, but sometimes that growth comes with a quiet loss that stings, especially in places like Columbia Heights that have fought so hard to maintain their character. That's the District, DMV — no vote, all heart.

Me and the crew are always talking about stuff like this. Catch us live at mornings.live.