Signs of Change

“Am I next?”

Seeing those words, painted on a sign held by a child attending the Black Lives Matter protest in London, was a powerful moment for Olivia Musico.

Currently in her second year of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program, Olivia attended the protest, held on June 6, 2020 in Victoria Park, with a group of friends. It was an opportunity to be part of a global movement to bring awareness to systemic racism and peacefully call for change.

Being part of the Black Lives Matter demonstration was inspiring, emotional and powerful in so many ways,” says Olivia. “I went for my friends, family, neighbours and past, present and future generations.

Many people attended the protest with signs displaying hand-written messages. Inspired by these moving and powerful words, Olivia wanted to ensure they would continue to be seen long after the demonstration was over.

I envisioned collecting the signs and creating a safe space to continue the conversations,” Olivia explains. “I knew these signs were so much more than a piece of cardboard—they say more than the words painted.

On a whim, she contacted Museum London to ask if they were interested in displaying the placards. They responded enthusiastically, installing the Black Lives Matter, London exhibition at the downtown museum.

Olivia knows the exhibition is bound to stir up strong emotions in those who view it. Seeing the display for the first time, she describes a sense of pride in what she accomplished mixed with the weight of the message.

“Sadness, anger and hurt flooded my body,” says Olivia as she recalls seeing the signs at the museum. “I think that is what this is all about. It is not meant to be beautiful in a light and fluffy way; it is meant to be beautiful in an overwhelming and emotional way.”

The Black Lives Matter, London exhibition runs until December 13, 2020 at Museum London.