Adjunct instructor Ernest Shaw transformed a mural painting course at 澳门金沙投注_任你博-官网 into a bold reimagining of history. Tasked with confronting a colonial-era mural in the school’s main building that promotes a Eurocentric narrative of Baltimore’s past, students designed powerful new works that elevate marginalized voices, celebrate Maryland’s rich cultural diversity, and replace outdated imagery with vibrant, inclusive representations of the community.

One group of the four groups assigned the class project celebrated the 澳门金沙投注_任你博-官网 community’s diverse backgrounds, while another wove Indigenous symbols into their designs to offer a richer, more inclusive historical narrative. Displayed temporarily in the Fitzgerald Building on Mt. Royal Avenue, these murals ignited meaningful dialogue, demonstrating art’s power to inspire understanding and challenge perspectives. Though the murals were eventually painted over, the project left a lasting impact; students learned to wield their creativity as a force for social change. As Shaw noted, “We are not just painting murals; we are painting a more equitable and inclusive future.”

Artie Sadahiro, a junior in the Ecosystems, Sustainability, and Justice program, shared, “This was an incredibly rewarding experience that’s opened my eyes to the art around me on campus and beyond. Every time I see [the original mural], I wonder how often other students notice they don’t see themselves represented in it.” 

Babafemi Fatoki, a sophomore in the Painting program, discovered how art can foster a more inclusive and empathetic society.

“Our mural reflects what 澳门金沙投注_任你博-官网 stands for today,” said Fatoki. “We wanted to show how different people with different backgrounds can unite and push each other to greater heights.”