Completion Date: (Sept 28th)
Location: 809 Oliver Hill Way
Richmond, VA 23219

Lead Photographer: Brenda Soque | Assistant Photographer: Katrina Taggart-Hecksher

“It’s Time for A Change” stands as a beacon for positive change, to inspire young generations that they too are royalty, have a voice that can be heard, and together they can use their voices to make the changes they want to see. The stage is set by changing the answer to the posed question “Am I Next?” In the context of the decades leading up to 2020 it is easy to assume he is referring to being a victim of police brutality. The response to this question is given by a strong female figure, a queen in her own right, a leader in her community. Her placement in the mural is literally referencing her support, holding up a roof as a symbol of shelter and protection. Her response is to change the nature of the question to a positive aspiration. “I believe in you.” These words are used to embolden the desire to achieve greatness. To change the questions motive to “Am I the next one to achieve?” The next scientist to make a great discovery, the next leader to inspire future generations, the next great inventor, the next President of the United States, etc.

This conversation leads into the rest of the mural that highlights three neighborhood residents and the change they want to see in their community. These portraits are of Jumeka Jones, Shaumas Wyche, and Allison Davis. Their voices are projected across their faces with the goal that it ignites the needed conversations that lead to actions that direct demanded change.

Throughout the mural Adinkra Symbols are used to connect all the figures together. These symbols originating from West African Culture and are saturated with meaning, represent the characteristics and qualifiers needed to help make positive change.