Be Someone (graffiti)

Be Someone is a reoccurring piece of graffiti above Interstate 45 in Houston, Texas. It has become a well known landmark in Houston due to its prominent location to commuters.[1]

History

The piece's date of origin is unverifiable. It is situated on a Union Pacific bridge which crosses above Interstate 45 as it enters the city of Houston.[2] It has been vandalized and repainted several times.[3][4] In 2018, it was changed to "Be Mattress Mac."[5] In 2019, it was altered to say "Be Sus."[6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the words "Wash your hands" were painted over the slogan.[7][8][9] In June 2020, the name "George Floyd" was painted over it.[10] In February 2022, it was painted over with “No War Know Peace” in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[11]

On May 29, 2021, the BeSomeone Instagram account posted that they would no longer restore the graffiti after it had been defaced.[12][13]

Cultural impact

The slogan had become common on local merchandise. Rapper Paul Wall has a tattoo in reference to the work. There have been multiple attempts to make the graffiti a protected landmark.[14]

References
  1. Davila, Julia (August 20, 2018). "How Did Someone Light Up the 'Be Someone' Graffiti?". Houstonia. Houston, Texas. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  2. Jordan, Jay R. (November 20, 2019). "'Be Someone' gone, again: Cryptic message now graces bridge north of downtown Houston". Houston Chronicle.
  3. "Houston's Iconic 'Be Someone' Graffiti Gets a New Look and Fresh Coat of Paint". June 29, 2018.
  4. "Meet the college students behind the new 'Be Someone' graffiti". khou.com. 29 April 2019.
  5. Hlavaty, Craig (May 17, 2018). "'Be Someone' graffiti altered to recognize Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale". Midland Reporter-Telegram.
  6. "Houston's trademark 'Be Someone' graffiti sign vandalized, becomes 'Be Sus'". ABC7 Chicago. November 21, 2019.
  7. Medley, Alison (March 1, 2020). "Iconic 'Be Someone' graffiti replaced with 'Wash Ur Hands' on bridge over I-45". HoustonChronicle.com.
  8. "Iconic Houston 'Be Someone' graffiti changed to 'Wash Ur Hands'". news.yahoo.com.
  9. "Iconic Houston 'Be Someone' graffiti changed to 'Wash Ur Hands'". www.msn.com.
  10. "Name 'George Floyd' painted over iconic Houston 'Be Someone' sign". ABC 13. June 6, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  11. "Houston's 'Be Someone' graffiti bridge has a new message in response to Russia-Ukraine invasion". Houston Chronicle.
  12. Unknown (29 May 2021). "Instagram of BeSomeone". Retrieved 12 October 2021. I'd like to thank ya'll for showing so much love and living up to the Besomeone movement. Keep going, keep representing and go make a difference in your daily life. Go out there and do it for your own sanity, your own Joy and spread the love! Even if we don't paint the bridge anymore we will still continue to put in work! 10 years of the Besomeone
  13. 7 June 2021 (5 June 2021). "Iconic downtown Houston bridge graffiti may be gone forever after recent vandalism". KTRK-TV Houston. ABC, Inc. Retrieved 12 October 2021. Arguably Houston's most iconic spray-painted landmark, the Be Someone sign over the railroad bridge over I-10 and I-45 north of downtown has greeted and inspired drivers for years. Now, the landmark may be no more. The beloved sign has been vandalized and painted over, and this time, the creators issued an ominous message that could easily be construed as a farewell on Instagram.
  14. Hlavaty, Craig (January 3, 2018). "'Be Someone' as an official Houston landmark? For now it will need to remain a folk icon..." Houston Chronicle.
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