Form and Power: Black Murals in Los Angeles

Education in Our Interest

Charles Freeman’s Education in Our Interest, is located at Jefferson Middle School in South Los Angeles. Noni Olabisi and Sarika assisted Freeman as co-authors of the mural. The mural is divided into two sections, which depict Pan-African themes on the left and Pan-Hispanic themes on the right. Freeman intends to connect the two minority children illustrated in the mural to their respective cultural heritage through education. He indicates that because the many horrors that have occurred in the past, such as the American Holocaust (the massacre of Native Americans), “stolen legacy,” and “stolen continents -” titles that are imprinted on the books’ spines – children must learn about past atrocities in order to fully understand their heritage. Moreover, the inclusion of eagles symbolizes Black and Latino children’s ability to accomplish anything freely in America when they discover the power of education.

Freeman, commonly known as Brother Boko, has been a political activist since he was a part of the Black Panther Party. Freeman was commissioned by the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) to paint Education in Our Interest. SPARC’s mission is to promote art that is not only socially relevant, but uplifts minority communities. Known today as the Los Angeles Academy Middle School, the former Jefferson Middle School has a minority enrollment rate of 99%, further highlighting the importance of the mural’s location. The Black and Latino students who view the mural can be inspired to take advantage of education and are reminded of the importance of uniting as minorities.

Written by Mia Fagin, c/o ‘24

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