The Black Experience Mural (Extra Credit)

"The Black Experience" mural in Ackerman was made in 1970 by seven African American students who are depicted in the mural next to an unknown man: Marian Brown, Neville Garrick, Andrea Hill, Jane Staulz, Joanne Stewart, Michael Taylor, and singleton. This mural is meant to be a snapshot of the difficult period during the 1960's and was meant to capture the experience of African Americans during this turbulent period. In 1992, there were some renovations and the mural was blocked from public view by a false wall. It stayed hidden for over twenty years. This mural was a response to the Kenn State University shootings, and all the vandalism and hate that sprung afterwards. This was a mural that instilled pride for Black roots.

As for my opinion of the mural, I find it fascinating and educational. The outlines of the students were filled in with many images, such as photographs and newspapers. The word slaves in one of the students hair. I also spotted a frighten child, and I noticed Black soldiers fighting within the images. All the images tell an important story that all contributed to the Black Experience of these individuals. It's also disappointing to learn that this mural was covered because to me that seems that they were attempting to erase such an important visual artwork, and by erasing that artwork it seems they are trying to erase the history. This mural continues to be of great significance in today's world. Unfortunately, we continue to see Black communities faced with aggression by dominant authority, such as police brutality. This mural will hopefully continue to educate others on Black history and bring awareness of inequalities.

I got the history of the mural on the UCLA website link: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/the-black-experience-reexperienced