The MLK39: Racial Equity Mural Community Paint Day & Unveiling in East Hartford

MLK39 Mural

East Hartford, CT -  RiseUP is partnering with the Mayor's Office, Town of East Hartford, the East Hartford Black Caucus, and other community organizations to complete a large-scale mural on a wall located across for East Hartford Town Hall, facing north on Main Street. The mural will depict messages and symbols of hope and inspiration along with honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his wife, Corretta Scott King. The mural is part of RiseUP's mural tour to have 39 MLK murals completed by MLK Day 2022.

The group will also host a Community Paint Day on Friday, August 27th. The community is welcome to meet at East Hartford Town Hall between 2:30 and 5:30 to help paint a portable mural and the mural on the main wall. Other activities will include side-walk chalk art, jump rope, and music, and food!

The mural in East Hartford will be Unveiled on Friday September 3rd at 4:30PM and painted by artist Michael Rice and local East Hartford artists, Joshua Morgan and Tiyah Thompson.

Harry Amadasun Jr., Founding Member and Vice President of the East Hartford Black Caucus, believes this type of project can help unify the community behind a positive message, "I am deeply moved by the recent efforts of many in our Town to bring the discussion on real Equity to the forefront. The East Hartford Black Caucus was formed for the voiceless, and to see East Hartford artists and residents come together to celebrate East Hartford's diversity is truly a beautiful experience, that I hope will last generations. The fight against systemic inequality and institutional racism continues to this very day, and this mural will be a testament to the future we can all achieve if we work together in grace, unity, and love."

“This Mural is a great opportunity to celebrate East Hartford’s beautiful diversity, and to acknowledge the arts and artists that elevate the message of equality and racial justice," said Mayor Marica Leclerc, "The Town is honored to have this testament of unity in the center of our community.”

Thanks to over 75 community donors helping RiseUP raise over $7,500 for this mural, Sustainable CT will match $7,500. The group also has commitment from Pratt & Whitney and Goodwin University to sponsor a second Civil Rights Mural in town.