NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – A new mural in downtown New Bern is in the works, and designer Georgie Nakima is excited to give the building a fresh look.
“We wanted to fuse some of the totems and elements that build our community, and make something futuristic, colorful, something that could bring a positive vibration to the city,” Nakima says.
But the new design at 328 South Front Street has been met with some backlash from the community, as it was painted over the former ‘New Bern Strong’ mural, a dedication to the city’s survival of Hurricane Florence.
The Craven Arts Council says the mural was a collaboration between them, the former business owner, and the community.
“We wish it had survived a bit longer, it wasn’t even two years old yet, and we’re coming up on the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Florence, so it would have been nice to see that, especially with all the work that the community put into it,” Craven Arts Council Executive Director Jonathan Burger says.
The building is now owned by Deion King, through his development company, King and Lasso. He says he’s excited for the new design and the meaning behind it.
“The painting is actually called ‘The Wake Up Call,’ so it’s actually meant to kind of rattle and rough some feathers,” King told WITN.
He says the three individuals depicted in the mural are meant to represent progress, diversity, and inclusion.
“It really represents our people in general,” King says. “Not just black, white, Hispanic, just people in general. If it really offends you, it’s a love mural. It’s about love and not hating one another. It’s about supporting and uplifting each other.”
The mural is set to be finished next week, but King says the silhouettes of people painted by the community in the previous mural are there to stay.
“I left the silhouette of people there to represent the twin rivers that we have flowing through New Bern, so it is still very symbolic, but it also pays homage to what was there previously,” King says.
The Craven Arts Council says they ultimately understand the decision to change the mural, as King owns the building and has a right to make those changes.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.