Diversity is a Rich Tapestry

  • A Maya Angelou quote is spoken through the megaphone.
  • The passionate participants stand in front of their completed mural.
  • The mural includes silhouettes of children playing.

Project Description

“Diversity is a Rich Tapestry” was created in partnership with NYC Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies. The mural memorializes student Jabulani Summers, age 11. He is depicted reciting a Maya Angelou quote through a megaphone. “Diversity makes for a rich tapestry. All threads are equal, no matter what color.”  Silhouettes of children playing span the bottom of the image. The Lab School mascot, the Alligator, also makes an appearance. The creation of this mural deeply impacted the Summers family as well as the school and community. Adanna, Jabulani’s sister, participated in the painting and execution of the mural design. Many of her ideas shaped the mural, including the portrait of her brother holding the megaphone. At the dedication, Jabulani’s mother and grandmother gave a special thanks to both the Lab School and the classes that participated, stating that there were no words to express what this mural meant to them.

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Project Info

Location: 333 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: 
Chelsea


Program: 
School-based Programs


Theme: 
Diversity


Year: 
2011


Partner(s): 
NYC Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies


Lead Artist(s):
Nicole Schulman


Participants: 

 

60 8th grade students at NYC Lab Middle School
Medium: 
Acrylic on Wall


Dimensions: 8 x 45ft

Fun Facts

Fun Fact
“Diversity makes for a rich tapestry. All threads are equal, no matter what color.” - Maya Angelou, Poet
Impact
“Diversity is a Rich Tapestry” aided in the process of healing for the loss of Jabulani, age 11. Many students participated in the development of the mural, and those who knew him took lead roles in its design.
Fun Fact
Maya Angelou read her poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. The only other poet to have performed at a presidential inauguration was Robert Frost, who read at President John F. Kennedy’s in 1961.