Renewed 'Say Their Names' mural unveiled after vandalism

Families gather to rededicate San Antonio mural honoring victims of police violence

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Months after an East Side mural depicting victims of police violence was vandalized, the unveiling of a renewed mural is reassurance to their family members that they're not forgotten. On Sunday, the International Day Against Police Brutality, loved ones, local leaders and supporters gathered to rededicate the "Say Their Names" mural painted at Greater Faith Institutional Church.

Why it matters

The mural was born from pain and built from love, according to organizers, and its restoration shows the community's resilience in the face of attempts to silence them. The mural honors victims of police violence and serves as a powerful reminder that their memories and stories will not be forgotten.

The details

The original mural featured portraits of 14 victims held by their loved ones. Before San Antonio's MLK Day march in January, the mural was vandalized with black spray paint covering the images and names of 10 victims and their family members. The nonprofit ACT 4 SA vowed to restore the mural, and with community support, artist David Blancas spent two days transferring the art and adding a more life-like feel to the updated portraits. The newest portrait is of Nathaniel Ray Moreno, a 19-year-old killed during a mental health crisis.

  • The original mural was first unveiled in March 2025.
  • The mural was vandalized the day before San Antonio's MLK Day march in January 2026.
  • The rededication ceremony took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the International Day Against Police Brutality.

The players

Ananda Tomas

Executive director of ACT 4 SA, the nonprofit organization that commissioned the mural.

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

San Antonio District 2 Councilman who donated $5,000 toward the mural restoration project from unspent capital improvement funds.

David Blancas

The artist who spent two days transferring the art from his studio, placing it on the wall, and covering the final product with anti-graffiti sealant.

Lisa Rodriguez

The mother of Nathaniel Ray Moreno, a 19-year-old killed during a mental health crisis, who spoke at the rededication ceremony.

Joe Montez

The older brother of John Pena Montez, who was shot and killed by police in 2021 when his common-law wife called for help with a mental health episode.

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What they’re saying

“They thought they could silence us. They thought that we would disappear, but look around you, we are still here. This mural was born from pain, it was built from love, and now it is resurrected by power. Our power.”

— Ananda Tomas, ACT 4 SA executive director (expressnews.com)

“As an artist, it only motivated me further to do an even better job.”

— David Blancas (expressnews.com)

“Because our loved ones were killed by officers, it kind of feels like you're the stepchildren of the homicide department. Like we don't get to grieve because they were doing something wrong, so they got what they deserved, and that's a lonely place to feel.”

— Lisa Rodriguez (expressnews.com)

“Vandalizing the mural was like desecrating a cemetery.”

— Joe Montez (expressnews.com)

“It's for the families. John was the center of our family gatherings. He loved to tell a good story and had us all laughing. And we miss that. We'll forever miss that.”

— Debra Montez Felder (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The newest portrait of Nathaniel Ray Moreno will be added to the mural later.

The takeaway

The restoration of the 'Say Their Names' mural is a powerful act of resilience and a testament to the community's commitment to honoring the memories of those lost to police violence. It serves as a reminder that their stories and legacies will not be forgotten, even in the face of attempts to silence them.