All That They Can Be
This mural fights against the stereotypes that we have learned about Black people. Through the painting, Pinkney dismantles the idea that Black men are not valued father figures and shows that both girls and boys can be whatever they want to be. In the center of the painting, we see a Black father holding his baby, showcasing hope and pride. At one end of the painting a young girl is spotlighted with a butterfly which signifies transition and celebration. On the other end a young boy is shown in a yellow shirt which manifests optimism and clarity. In this sense, the mural’s themes are consistent with the goals of The New Negro movement in the early 1920’s. Championed by Alain Locke, this was a key component of Black history where Black people began to tell their own stories and show pride in their heritage.
Written by Sy’Naeh Shell, c/o ‘24