| AeroSoul Director and Oakland Maroons Co-founder Refa 1 recently completed a dynamic mural for the George Washington Carver Elementary School in Hunter's Point. This masterfully executed mural serves a pedagogical purpose because it transforms the visual landscape into a teaching tool. It prominently displays the periodic table along with west African Adinkra and Kemetic (Egyptian) Mdw Ntr (Hieroglyphs). As the young students at this K-5 elementary school walk by wide-eyed and excited by the bright vibrant tableau of stars, constellations and west African designs one can observe the spark of inspiration that this mural is creating. They are learning lessons that may not even fully realize until they are adults.Another lesson that was taught during the creation of this piece is that some may be inspired to be artists becasue they've witness a Black man bring this masterful image into being before their eyes. Someone who looks like them and their family bringing his imagination into the physical world through hard won skill, craft and dedication to his community. This mural is a love letter to the mulit-disciplinary genius of George Washington Carver, the intellectual traditions of African peoples and the untapped genius of our Black/Afrikan youth. Watching the inspiration and excitement on the faces of school staff, community members, parents and students alike is worth the trip to view this piece. Refa 1 is continuing in the tradition of Black Panther Party as a Panther Cub by using his art to organize community for Liberation. Salute Oakland Maroon Refa 1 for doing the work! All Power to the People! -Deterville |   |
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