Ferguson Library Co-Sponsors Black Lives Matter Street Mural in Downtown Stamford
The Ferguson Library, along with other local nonprofits, cosponsored a successful community event last weekend, as people from all over Stamford came out to participate in the creation of a Black Lives Matter street mural in front of the library. The event was curated by Picture That Art Consultants, an award-winning fine art firm.
Hundreds of volunteer artists with rollers and brushes embellished Broad Street in downtown Stamford on Sunday, July 19 with the words, “Black Lives Matter” in 18-foot letters in red, green and yellow. The event, which drew residents as well as city and state officials, was intended to use protest art as a peaceful vehicle to stand against the systemic racism and injustice that African-Americans face in today’s society.
Members of the police and public works departments helped block traffic while the art was created.
“As soon as we learned of the idea for this project, we were all in,” said Alice Knapp, President of The Ferguson Library. “What better place to take a stand for equity and inclusion than in front of the library, a place which welcomes all and strives to level the playing field in our community.”
Elizabeth Joseph, Associate Director of Community Engagement at The Ferguson Library, coordinated the library’s involvement. “This day and moment are historic and will become part of Stamford’s history” she said. “I was extremely proud to be part of it as a library representative and community member.”
The event was led by a team of 16 local artists. In addition to the library, it was co-sponsored by the NAACP; Domus; New England Donor Services; and Inspirica.
The Ferguson Library is Stamford’s public library system, consisting of the Main Library, DiMattia Building; the Harry Bennett Branch; the Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch; the South End Branch and a traveling Bookmobile. It provides free and equal access to information, ideas, books and technology to educate, engage and enrich the Stamford community. For more information visit www.fergusonlibrary.org.
Download official press release below.