Bellwood Coffee is facing backlash after painting over a mural honoring longtime Channel 2 Action News anchor Jovita Moore in Grant Park.
The mural along Boulevard was created shortly after Moore’s death in 2021. She had been with Channel 2 since 1998 and died seven months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The backlash quickly spread across social media in Atlanta after residents noticed it had been painted over, with many pointing to Moore’s impact on the city and the significance of the tribute.
In response, Bellwood Coffee said renovations to the building, including new windows, cut into the mural. The shop said it was aware of Moore’s story but did not realize how meaningful that specific mural was to the community.
In a follow-up statement, the owners acknowledged the decision was a mistake.
“The truth is, the reasons aren’t good enough. We made a mistake and acted without enough consideration,” the statement said.
The shop said it plans to make things right by commissioning a new mural and listening more closely to the community moving forward.
Moore, a longtime Channel 2 Action News anchor in Atlanta, remains widely respected in Atlanta, and tributes to her continue to hold strong meaning for many residents.
