Ambassador Andrew Young and nature are the focal points of the Atlanta BeltLine’s newest murals. Initiated two years ago by Carolyn Young, the wife of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Congressman, and former Mayor of Atlanta, the mural project was completed by the Fulton County Youth Commission (FCYC) and artists Petie Parker and Victor Walker as part of an Earth Day celebration. Ambassador Young has been a long-term advocate for sustainability and environmental justice.
“This mural represents the life, struggle, and impact of Andrew Young and giving him his flowers for the path and legacy he has created,” shared Petie Parker, artist of the Andrew Young Mural.
Ambassador Young gathered with close family and friends on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail for the unveiling. The intimate gathering included four former mayors: Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, and Keisha Lance Bottoms. Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., and artist Killer Mike were also present.
The Andrew Young Earth Day Mural is part of an initiative entitled Affirmations Across Atlanta, in partnership with the B-Aware Foundation, a Fulton County Arts and Culture grantee. Affirmations Across America aims to combat negative messaging with positive visuals and affirmations to include supporting climate and environmental causes. Several youths from the FCYC worked with the artists in painting the Andrew Young mural and the Earth Day mural which flank each side of the Westside Trail near Rice Street NW.
“Art will take you wherever you want to go,” Killer Mike said to the students during the unveiling.
“Thank you, Andy, for the example you that you have set to black children in this city. Thank you for showing us what education, what patience, what grace, what forgiveness will give, because it gave us an opportunity,” he added.
“We were created to create so let’s create a sustainable environment so that we can continue to create our future,” said Victor Walker, artist of the Earth Day Mural.
The mural was made possible by the B-Aware Foundation, Global Paint and B.A.M Creative with the support of the Atlanta BeltLine.
To check out the mural, go to 750 Rice St NW and take a right on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail.
