The Mother Mural dedication by Walé Oyejide

Artist Walé Oyejide designed a mural that lifts the commonality between the histories of longtime African American residents in the Southwest neighborhood and new immigrants to the area - predominantly from West Africa. Walé Oyejide is a multi-disciplinary artist who employs beauty to illustrate the contributions of immigrants. He seeks to humanize newly arrived populations in the eyes of those who might otherwise discriminate against them. His work instills self-worth in people who have experienced suffering but choose not to be defined by it. Participants in his projects are depicted as royalty while resisting the difficult circumstances thrust upon them. Inspired by the experiences of brave outsiders who thrive in hostile environments, The Mother is a reminder of the grace and magic migrants bear across borders. The mural was painted by Efrain Herrera, Kien Nguyen, and Darya Putrikova.