Déjà Vu: Which Path Will You Choose?

  • The boy looks to a living tree with green leaves that leads to the successful outcomes of positive choices: graduation from college and a variety of job opportunities.
  • Mural proposal sketch. On the left side of the path are the negative activities that tempt the young man. A twisted, dead tree leads to the consequences of these negative choices.
  • Through lively debates during the planning process, participants learned from each other about the complexity of issues facing young men today.
  • On the right side of the path are positive choices, including singing, reading, writing, sports, and maintaining positive family dynamics.
  • At the end of the path is a bright sun in a sky of lavender and blue, surrounded by images that represent the many aspirations of the teenage boys who participated in the project.
  • By following the right path, the boy strives to be a good father and a positive role model to his own son.

Project Description

As the first mural in Groundswell's Making His'tory series, “Déjà Vu: Which Path Will You Choose?” explores the particular challenges faced by teenage boys and young men in the East Harlem community. The young men participating in the program researched and discussed challenges such as gangs, drugs, violence, police harassment, incarceration, and lack of employment opportunity. They also discussed possible solutions to these problems, including education, supportive families, sports, arts, religious faith, and cultural and historical awareness. The final mural design depicts a teenage boy in the middle of a path that leads up towards his future. On one side is a dangerous life, while the other side holds opportunity. He must move forward to achieve his dreams. Over four stories tall, the mural’s bright colors, dynamic composition, and bold symbolism invite the attention and admiration of all who pass by. The mural's presence also motivated Hope Community to transform the community garden adjacent to it, planting new flowers, trimming overgrown tree branches, and creating a welcoming space which is ideal for contemplating the mural and its message of hope.

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Project Info

Location: 2026 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10035

Fun Facts

Fun Fact
Hope Community, Inc. has worked to rebuild infrastructure in the East Harlem neighborhood since 1968.
Research
According to a fact sheet compiled by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, “fewer than 8% of young African American men have graduated from college compared to 17% of whites.”
Question about the Mural
Can you guess what the emblems in the tree mean? Hint: many represent city service agencies.