"Monument #3"
Celebrating Juneteenth with a Community Mural
For this year’s Juneteenth, I led a collaborative mural project in downtown New Brunswick, bringing together community members to create a powerful visual celebration of freedom, resilience, and heritage. Discover the journey behind this vibrant public artwork and the conversations it sparked.
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On Juneteenth, we had the incredible opportunity to lead a community mural project in downtown New Brunswick.
This vibrant celebration not only marked a significant historical moment but also brought together diverse community members in a collaborative artistic endeavor. Our mural, painted on the public intersection/park near downtown, was designed to bring awareness to and celebrate Juneteenth. It was a collaborative effort involving 6 artist assistants, a photographer, a videographer, and assistant volunteers. The goal was simple: create a piece that reflects the spirit of Juneteenth and engages the community in its creation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the active participation of community members. Volunteers, students, and local residents all contributed to the mural, making it a true community artwork. We captured these moments through interviews and videos, highlighting personal stories and experiences related to Juneteenth and community art. These narratives are crucial in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage. The design of the mural avoided text elements, focusing instead on vibrant, symbolic imagery. The bold colors and dynamic forms were inspired by Afro-Caribbean and African heritage, honoring the rich cultural history and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
