A mural has been unveiled at an educational and recreational oasis for needy kids in Evansville. WNIN’s John Gibson was there:
Plastic that covered a wall at the Young and Established facility on S. Vann Avenue was pulled down, revealing a vivid Black Culture mural by Indianapolis artist Ashley Nora.
She told a King Day gathering of kids and adults that she hopes her depiction of renowned figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mohamed Ali, and Barack and Michelle Obama will inspire the young:
"Representation matters, so I'm so thankful for the opportunity. I hope you guys love it, you can give me your honest opinion. But I gave it literally everything that I had within those ten days to get it done on time."
Y & E Executive Director Courtney Johnson told the crowd he was blown away:
"12-hour, 14-hour days, I mean I was just so amazed at what she was able to put together."
Johnson told WNIN that the facility has been open for about a year and a half:
"We have washers and dryers for our washer-dryer program for our students. We have a food pantry, hygiene pantry, mentoring, tutoring, we offer as lot of different resources. And as you see, we have games and pool tables, air hockey tables, just to have our kids here in a safe, positive environment.
Eligible families can learn more at youngand established.com
Courtney said there is a waiting list.