A Mural Project Celebrating

African Americans in Burke

In the African American mural, design lead, Darlene J. McClinton, weaves together symbols of the African Diaspora with local stories of African American residents. Set against the backdrop of Linville Gorge, cultural motifs allude to historic challenges (such as the historic flooding and displacement of wealth in Fonta Flora) and triumphs (such as an effective school walkout) along with the artistry of musicians and athletes from Olive Hill High School, a renowned, all Black secondary school in Burke, before desegregation.

McClinton shares that, “The bright and vivid colors of the mural capture the energy and vibrancy of the black community and the Kente cloth, surrounding the youth, united in the center of the mural, expresses African and Black identity.” On the far right of the mural, a father and daughter lead us to imagine the future hopes and dreams of African Americans in Burke County. Figures in this mural were inspired by Darrion and Bella Evans and resourced through interviews with Tina Hines, Ashley Dula, Dr. Leslie McKesson, Christoble Johnson, Andrea Lytle, and Artie McKesson Logan.

Play it Again Therapy

Design by Darlene J. McClinton

Completed mural, 2023

Artists

The Steering Committee

  • Alison Kanipe

  • Beth Davidson

  • Dr. Leslie McKesson

  • Griffin McKesson

Process

Community Mural Institute’s Process

  • Scouting | Identifying the Stories and Sites

  • Nominating | Identifying the Community Group (small group of 3-5 people to make key decisions for the project) and artists

  • Listening Sessions | The artists and CMI team lead the workshop, engaging our community in conversation and activities to solicit ideas for the theme and content of the mural. These sessions typically last 2 hours. 

  • Designing | The community input guides the muralists, who creates the design. The mural design is done by the artists and CMI team, who have years of experience translating complex and nuanced ideas into visual images that work well as a mural.

  • Painting | Once the mural design is approved by the project coordinators and design approval committee, it is projected onto specially prepared mural fabric, creating a giant paint-by-numbers. 

  • Paint Parties | The mural paint parties are free and open to all. People can paint for as little or as long and they want and no experience is necessary.  

  • Installation | The muralists then do the detail work and overpainting in the studio, before installing the mural permanently on the wall.

  • Ribbon Cutting | When the mural is complete, we all come together one last time for a ribbon cutting. We give thanks, take pictures, and celebrate what we all created together.