Last month, a young artist was fatally shot while painting a mural bearing a message of safety and hope for the City of Oakland. That piece has since been completed, and it was unveiled Wednesday afternoon.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday city officials, artists, faith leaders and community members gathered on West Street underneath Interstate Highway 580 in remembrance of Antonio Ramos, 27, who was killed while painting at that location on Sept. 29.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said:
“This mural represents everything right about Oakland and everything wrong about Oakland.”
Students at West Oakland Middle School designed the mural a year ago through Attitudinal Healing Connection, an art education organization.
It’s the third in a series of murals from West Oakland schools.
The image depicts four children with superpowers working together in their own unique ways to keep Oakland safe, peaceful, joyful, and clean.
Attitudinal Healing Connection Executive Director Amana Harris said:
“This mural is by young people who want to see a better world, young people who know we can do better. … It is part of a legacy that goes beyond good guys and bad guys.”
David Burke, the mural’s art director, called on Oakland officials to ensure that local artists are supported and recognized during this time of transition in the city:
“You can build all the luxury condos you want but you can’t deny the people who make the city what it is.”
According to Oakland police, efforts to identify the suspect who killed Ramos are still ongoing and no arrests have been made. Oakland police are asking anyone with information on this case to contact the homicide division at (510) 238-3821.
Last modified October 22, 2015 1:31 am
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