Celebrating Community: A Mural for East New York’s Family Day Block Party

On July 27th, I had the privilege of contributing to a meaningful project in Brooklyn, NYC. As part of the Family Day Block Party at the East New York Boulevard Houses, organized by NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) and coordinated by The Neighborly Events, we brought to life a vibrant community mural that celebrated the spirit, resilience, and unity of this incredible neighborhood. The mural design was co-created with the talented Antoinette Thomas, and together, we worked to ensure that this piece reflected the unique energy and culture of East New York.

A Mural for the People, By the People

From the very beginning, our goal was to create a mural that not only added beauty to the space but also resonated deeply with the residents of the East NY Boulevard Houses. Antoinette and I spent time discussing the themes and elements that would best capture the essence of the community. We wanted the mural to be a source of pride, a visual representation of the neighborhood’s strength, diversity, and collective identity.

This image shows the blank canvas that awaited us—full of potential, ready to be transformed into something special. The setup for the block party was already underway, with families gathering and the air buzzing with anticipation.

The Creative Process: Involving the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the involvement of the community in the creation process. Throughout the day, residents of all ages came together to contribute their own brushstrokes to the mural. It was a collaborative effort in the truest sense, with everyone playing a role in bringing the design to life.

The team and I guided participants, helping them add their unique touches while ensuring that the overall vision of the mural was maintained. The design featured bold, colorful elements that symbolized unity, growth, and the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood.

This photo captures the heart of the project—community members actively engaged in the painting process, with smiles on their faces and a sense of ownership in the artwork they were helping to create. It was a powerful reminder of how art can bring people together and strengthen the bonds within a community.

The Finished Mural: A Symbol of Unity and Pride

By the end of the day, the mural had transformed the space into a vibrant celebration of the East New York community. The colors were bright and bold, the imagery was rich with meaning, and the overall effect was one of joy and resilience. The mural now stands as a testament to the power of collective creativity and the enduring spirit of the neighborhood.

This image shows the mural surrounded by the festivities of the block party. It was incredible to see how the mural not only beautified the space but also became a focal point for the event—a place where people gathered, took photos, and celebrated together.

Reflections: The Impact of Community Art

Creating this mural was more than just a day of painting; it was a day of connection, collaboration, and celebration. Working alongside the residents of the East NY Boulevard Houses reminded me of the profound impact that art can have on a community. It’s not just about the final product—it’s about the process of coming together, sharing stories, and creating something meaningful that reflects the collective identity of a community.

This group photo captures the team behind the mural, event organizers, and some of the community members who played a key role in the project. It’s a snapshot of the collaboration and hard work that went into making this mural a reality.

Final Thoughts

The Family Day Block Party and the mural we created for the East New York Boulevard Houses will stay a powerful reminder of the importance of community art. It’s about more than just adding color to asphalt—it’s about empowering people, fostering connections, and celebrating the unique character of a neighborhood. I’m grateful to NYCHA, The Neighborly Events, and everyone who participated for making this project such a success.

As I continue my journey as an artist, I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with communities and create art that not only beautifies spaces but also strengthens the bonds that make those communities thrive.