The creation of the End Racism Now street mural took place during a time of significant social unrest and protests across the United States in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. The mural was created as a response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The artist said they wanted the mural to promote community. “I did not want chains and handcuffs. I want to bring the people together, not create more lines of separation,” Kardulis said. “This isn’t done for protest. It’s about community, about bridging the gap.”
The location of the mural is significant because it is situated on Trinity Street in downtown Hartford. This area is a highly visible and heavily trafficked area of the city. The mural serves as a powerful piece of public artwork that brings attention to issues of racial injustice and inspires positive change in the community. This piece was created to gain recognition for a very important cause. It was created in a highly populated area so that as many people as possible could gain recognition and hopefully inspire those who witness it to make a change.
Researched by Jeremy Klick
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TCU’s mural was located on a sidewalk on campus and was chosen because it sits between the athletic and academic sides of campus. This was intentionally done to bridge the gap between students and student-athletes. After participating in the painting of the mural, students, athletes, and faculty were invited to sign their names on the mural showing their dedication and support to Hollins’ anti-racism pledge. The pledge on TCU’s student newspaper website reads, “Racism has penetrated the roots of our country and has been a part of its history since the beginning. With the climate of today’s world, we must decide what we are fighting for. No longer will we stand for any form of racism. By signing what we are fighting, you are committing to standing in solidarity with those who have fought against racism for years. By signing your name, you are committing to educating yourself and others about the injustices in America. By signing your name, you are committing to taking action. We must END RACISM” (Umsted). The fate of the mural remains unknown, although a Google Earth search does not show that the mural is still present.
Researched by Ellie Patronas
Sources
Umsted, Renee. “TCU Football Player Sparks Making of 'End Racism' Mural.” TCU 360, 29 Sept. 2020, tcu360.com/2020/08/10/tcu-football-player-sparks-making-of-end-racism-mural/.
Weeks, Jerome. “Hundreds Paint Mural Declaring 'End Racism Now' in Fort Worth.” Art&Seek, 11 Nov. 2020, artandseek.org/2020/06/29/hundreds-paint-mural-declaring-end-racism-now-in-fort-worth/.