NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – A new mural had its official reveal at 328 South Front Street in New Bern on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
The reveal comes after controversy was stirred in the city when the mural was first being painted on top of the \u201cNew Bern Strong\u201d mural. <\/p>\n
\u201cNew Bern Strong\u201d was painted in remembrance of the community during Hurricane Florence.<\/p>\n
Many online initially said they were sad to see it go, but its influence remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe blue strip now represents the twin rivers that run through New Bern, which caused a lot of devastation during Hurricane Florence,\u201d said Deion King, building owner.<\/p>\n
King said the reveal was meant to give back to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was really meant to give back to the community, showing the community exactly what we did to the wall here,\u201d King said. \u201cWe\u2019re showing the community exactly everything we have, what we have on the wall, and actually what the mural means.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resident Allie Ciampi said the new message is clear, telling WITN, \u201cThe message is clear, that hate cannot drive out hate, only love can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resident Lissette Corona said the mural was much needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s important to have representation and being able to walk the streets and see murals like this and our kids seeing people that look like us, it\u2019s incredible. I think it\u2019s so important,\u201d Corona said.<\/p>\n
Ceven Bryant was one of the artists commissioned for the New Bern Strong project and said getting to spread another powerful message has been amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be able to preserve my own work and paint over my own work was a blessing and an honor, and I thank Mr. King and Georgie for that,\u201d Bryant said.<\/p>\n
Georgie Nakima, the artist of the new mural, said she knew the message would be impactful and is glad it\u2019s finished now for the community to enjoy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew that the art would speak for itself. I knew we were creating something intentional and something that we wanted to speak volumes to our community,\u201d Nakima said.<\/p>\n
The reveal was also catered, and many people were out throughout the day enjoying the food, community and the mural.<\/p>\n
The inside of the lounge and speakeasy should be open around late fall, King said.<\/p>\n
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