State Sen Slams Business For Covering 'Spirit Of Harlem' Mural

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem state senator criticized a 125th Street business for covering up a beloved mural and is calling on the store to immediately remove a wall that is obstructing the artwork.

Brian Benjamin — who represents New York's 30th state senate district — is in talks with Foot Locker to remove a fake wall covering artist Louis Delsarte's "Spirit of Harlem" mural on the corner of West 125th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, he said in a statement. The shoe retailer recently opened up a Footaction store on the corner and covered up the public artwork with a black wall.

Delsarte's mural — which was installed on the corner in 2005 — is a vibrant depiction of Harlem's culture and history. The mural features notable artists and musicians with Harlem ties and its vivid colors represent the "Village of Harlem."

While Benjamin appreciates that Foot Locker has decided to do business in Harlem, he said covering up the mural shows a serious "lack of judgement."

"We need to make sure that we are preserving priceless works of art like Mr. Delsarte's mural, and I will be exploring ways that the state can do so in the coming weeks. It is in the interest of the state to broaden public access to art, and to encourage a vibrant arts community," Benjamin said in a statement.

Benjamin is working with the store and the city Department of Building to have the fake wall removed and make the mural visible once again.