This gorgeously fabulous mural, dedicated to the global struggle of women against HIV, and a tribute to those both living with and passed on from, has provided me with inspiration and a boost of extra courage for over a decade (It was completed in 1995, and was recently restored.)

I don't know what happened -- the City callously covering over graffiti? The liquor store owner next door being pressured to cover graffiti and not knowing what a mural is? Someone just not thinking? It's too well done (and the paint matches the adjoining building) to be a hate crime, but it's harrowing nonetheless. I've contacted Juana Alicia, one of the mural's progenitors, and I'm determined to find out. THIS SUCKS!!! -- Marke B