Frank Latin Communications Specialist/ Westside Media Project Founder
Kenn Cook Jr. Communications Specialist
Kamil Brady Circulation Manager/Sales
Kyler Winfrey
Digital Media Specialist/Good Neighbor Campaign liaison
Trey Arline Reporter
Asante Hayes Photographer/Videographer
Jihoon Woo Photographer/Videographer
Paul Goyette Photographer
EDITORIAL BOARD
Morris Reed
Westside Health Authority/CEO
Karl Brinson
Westside Branch NAACP/President
Bernard Clay
Introspect Youth Services/Executive Director
Frank Latin
Westside Media Project/ Executive Director
Michael Romain
Village Free Press/Publisher
CONTACT US at stories@ourculture.us
FACES OF ASPIRE [ [
Meet Taylor McGee Holden, an Austin Native and Project Coordinator for Blinderman Construction
Austin native Taylor McGee Holden is intimately familiar with the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation that’s going up on the site of the old Robert Emmet Elementary School at 5500 W. Madison St. Below is the slightly edited transcript of her video testimonial that you can see at facebook.com/ACT.Chicago.
I’m part-operations, part-accounts/finance. I make sure our subcontractors are paid, and help out tracking the budget to make sure we’re on schedule. I also do other miscellaneous things. I wear many hats but mostly
work with the accounting and operations side. I applied via LinkedIn. When I interviewed, they told me that this is a [former school] they’d be revamping in Austin. I’m from Austin. I said, ‘Wow, this building has been sitting abandoned since before I went to college.’ I lived in the area when it was open, I was around when it closed, and I’ve been in the area since it closed. So, I was very interested in coming on to be part of revamping this building and giving life to something that’s been abandoned for years. Learn more about the Aspire Center at austincomingtogether.org/aspire.
Biden Drops Reelection Bid, Endorses Harris
Gov. Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and Congressmen Davis endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris following the president’s July 21 announcement
By Hannah Meisel Capitol News Illinois
After weeks of pushing from fellow Democrats, including five of Illinois’ members of Congress, President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he would not accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for reelection.
Minutes later, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee ahead of the Democratic National Convention scheduled next month in Chicago. In a statement, Harris said she was “honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” she said, referring to a blueprint former Trump staffers have put together that outlines how to decimate federal agencies charged with regulatory responsibilities.
Top Democrats in Illinois – including Gov. JB Pritzker—praised Biden’s time in the White House. In a statement on July 21, Pritzker, often mentioned as a potential fill-in candidate for Biden, was not among those who immediately endorsed Harris, focusing on the wid-
er goal of defeating former President Donald Trump in November.
The following day, on July 22, Pritzker added his name to the growing list of influential Democrats endorsing Vice President Harris as the party’s nominee for president following Biden’s Sunday decision to drop his reelection bid.
Illinois’ two U.S. senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, also endorsed Harris on Monday after not immediately endorsing her on Sunday.
As of Monday morning, all of Illinois’ congressional Democrats had pledged to support Harris as she vies to clinch the Democratic nomination ahead of the party’s convention in Chicago next month.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson immediately endorsed Harris after Biden’s announcement, calling it “vital” that the Democratic Party unify around Harris. Johnson will be highly visible next month as Chicago hosts the DNC.
“Vice President Harris is the visionary leader that we need now to defeat the threat of another Trump presidency,” he said in a statement. “She has proven herself as a fearless defender of our democracy. I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure she becomes our next President.”
Congressman Danny K. Davis D-Chicago,
was among federal lawmakers wanting the president to stay in the race. On July 21, he threw his support behind Vice President Harris. “It is unfortunate that President Joe Biden has stepped aside,” Davis said on July 21. “He is a monumental person who has positively changed the lives of so many in a short time. I support Vice President Kamala Harris, she is the standard bearer.”
Learn the Issues and Vote
Want to learn some of the issues in this year’s presidential race? One easy place to start is by typing “Ballotpedia Presidential Issues 2024” in any search engine like Google or Yahoo! The website Ballotpedia includes links to statements from the 2024 presidential candidates on more than 40 domestic, foreign, and economic policy areas. These statements were compiled from each candidate’s official campaign website, editorials, speeches, and debates. Visit chicagoelections.gov to learn how to register to vote and to get more information on the voting process. Remember, vote-by-mail applications for the Nov. 5 Presidential Election open on Aug. 7.
On The Cover
Chicago artist Barrett Keithley in front of the mural he's painting on a Chicago Avenue building.
PHOTO BY SHANEL ROMAIN
Support Austin’s Youth by Donating College Supplies
You can drop donations off at any Westside Health Authority location
By Ravan Thomas WHA Youth Innovation Center Director
We are excited to announce that our youth participants are on their way to college this fall! We kindly request donations of essential supplies to support our participants in their educational journey. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact in preparing these young minds for success. Please drop off any contributions at any Westside Health Authority location listed in the sidebar.
What Students Need
Sheets and pillowcases (twin size)
Towels (hand and face)
Pillows (two)
Mattress pad (twin size)
Comforter
Clothes hangers
Laundry bag/basket
Laundry detergent
Lint brush
Shower caddy
Padlock and key Fan
Laptop
Pens and pencils
Notebooks
Folder with pockets
Binders and dividers
Shower shoes (flip-flops)
All-purpose cleaner
Plastic storage bags
Food storage containers
Dish soap
Bowls, plates, and cups
Water bottles
Silverware
Can opener
Toiletries
There are a lot of things happening on the Westside in the next several days and weeks. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of them. If you want to add your event and/or resource to this guide, email stories@ourculture.us.
Steppin’ With the Seniors| Friday, July 26, 1 p.m., Good Neighbor Center, 5437 W. Division St. | Attend this Good Neighbor free event featuring DJ Rockin Ron, food, and fun. Call (773) 786-0249 to RSVP. Call (773)-786-0249 for transportation assistance.
Masquerade Ball | Friday, July 26, 5 to 8 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | Featuring dinner, dancing, tarot card readings, and magic for ages 14 and up. Dress to impress, bring your own mask, or create one on-site. Reservations required. To make yours, visit buildchicago.org/ event/masquerade-ball. For more info, contact Sarah Loffman at sarahloffman@ buildchicago.org.
Dr. Lockhart’s 36th Annual Parade | Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. | The 36th Annual Dr. Arthur Lockhart’s Say No To Drugs and Violence Parade and College and Community Resource Fair features scholarships, school supplies, ComEd assistance, property tax assessments, Jessie White Tumblers, the South Shore Drill Team, basketball, free lunch and more. We’ll assemble at Healing Temple COGIC, 4941 W. Chicago Ave. Call (773) 378-9649 or visit arthurlockhartinstitute. com for more info.
Family Night: Campus Campout | Saturday, July 27, 5 to 8 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | Join Build Chicago for a Campus Campout with activities including a forest preserve hike, Stargazing with NASA, s’mores and storytellers, Field Museum demos, and camps in the gym (a select number of families can sleep over). This FREE event is open to the community. Contact Sarah Loffman at sarahloffman@ buildchicago.org or visit buildchicago.org/ events for more info.
EVENTS & RESOURCES [ [
Donna Dudly Peace Softball League | Monday, July 29, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. | Grab a few chairs and come out with the family to enjoy 16” softball. The Games are at 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Diamond 3 at Humboldt Park. Contact Mark Thornton at markthornton@ buildchicago.org or visit buildchicago.org/ events for more info.
Four-Day Restorative Justice Training, July 29, 5 p.m., through Aug. 1, 9 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | Join BUILD’s Peace and Justice Center for a fourday Restorative Justice Training. Restorative Justice allows us to enhance skills that guide us in doing the work necessary for positive change. To register, contact Edwina Hamilton at edwinahamilton@buildchicago.org. Visit buildchicago.org/events for more info.
Grill & Chill | Wednesday, July 31, noon to 3 p.m., PopCourts Community Plaza, 5257 W. Chicago Ave. | Everyone in Illinois with arrest or conviction records is affected by permanent punishments. Learn what you can do to help. Visit endpp.org for more info.
Mural Reveal | Saturday, Aug. 3, noon to 2 p.m., 5103 W. Chicago Ave. | Join us for a day of peace as we unveil ‘Peace Over Everything,’ a mural created by artist
Barrett Keithley (aka “Bkeezy”). Featuring performances by songstress Ziajenaye, hiphop artist Mr. Pope, and spoken word artist Azaira Bake. Music by DJ Ransom, cold refreshments, and giveaways. Presented by Westside Health Authority.
Entrepreneur Coffee Chats | Sunday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spill the Beans, 5300 W. Chicago Ave. | Expand your business skillset in the digital world with Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready platform. Join us to learn more about how you can get $10,000 for your business and network with fellow entrepreneurs.
National Night Out | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | The Chicago Police Department 11th (Harrison), 15th (Austin), and 25th (Grand Central) districts will celebrate National Night Out — an annual commemoration celebrated by law enforcement departments across the country — at the following times and locations:
■ 11th District: 4 p.m., 3502 W. Roosevelt Rd., 5 to 8 p.m.
■ 15th District, 5 to 7 p.m., Moore Park, 5085 W. Adams St.
■ 25th District, 5 to 8 p.m., La Follette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave.
Back-to-School Bash | Friday, Aug. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., Davis Play Lot, 5427 W. Division St. | Enjoy free school supplies, food, fun, games, music, and entertainment. Presented by Westside Health Authority’s Youth Innovation Center.
Austin Art Walk | Saturday, Aug. 17, noon to 5 p.m., throughout Austin | Join the Front Porch Arts Center for the Austin Art Walk, a free event gathering art enthusiasts, residents, and visitors. The Austin Art Walk not only highlights the immense talents within the community but also supports local artists by providing them with a platform to share their work. Community members and visitors will see live performances, view art activations, and buy from local artists along the streets of Austin on the Westside of Chicago. Visit frontporchartscenter.org for more info.
RECURRING EVENTS & RESOURCES
Austin Town Hall Farmers Market | Every Thursday, 1 to 6 p.m. (rain or shine), Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St. | Buy affordable fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and more. Visit austintownhallcitymarket.com for more info.
Justice Impacted 2 | Every Tuesday, 10 to 10:30 a.m., and Thursday office hours, 2 to 4 p.m., 4100 W. Ferdinand St. | West Side Forward has weekly programming for its Justice Impacted 2 Program, which is great for those interested in entrepreneurship training, trades certification, wellness support, and more. Call (267) 807-9605 to access the informational session and use the Access Code: 346217. You can also visit westsideforward.org/jet for more info.
Midnight Madness at BUILD | Every Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight, BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | All ages are welcome for games, open art studio, live DJs, group exercise, raffles, and latenight basketball. Contact Sarah Loffman at sarahloffman@buildchicago.org or visit buildchicago.org/events for more info.
Hoops On the Block | Friday, July 26, 3 to 6 p.m., Tilton Park, 305 N. Kostner Ave., and Friday, Aug. 9, 3 to 6 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | Join BUILD Chicago for grills, hoops, music, and community resources – creating a safe place for youth and adults to build community and play basketball. Visit buildchicago.org/events for more info.
Art & Play | Every Saturday through Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, Harambee Community Garden, 457 N. Waller Ave. | Immerse yourself in creativity at the Front Porch Arts Center’s Art and Play, a free weekly outdoor summer arts workshop set amidst the lush greenery of Harambee Community Garden’s Nature Curiosity and Exploration Center. Participants of all ages will discover the joy of artistic expression as they paint, draw, and create in nature. Visit frontporchartscenter.org for more info.
Free to Low-Cost Legal Assistance | Every third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, and every fourth Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5900 W. Iowa St. | Need free legal assistance? Need legal assistance? Speak to an attorney at a low to no cost. Schedule a 45-minute session with one of Hope Community Justice Center’s attorneys and receive support from the team. Walk-ins welcome. Visit administerjustice.org or call toll-free (855) 818-4554 to schedule an appointment.
Austin Running Crew | Every Thursday, 5 p.m., LaFollette Park Track, 1333 N Laramie Ave. | The Austin running crew, facilitated by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), focuses on improving the health and wellness of the Austin Community via walking/running. Learn more at cararuns.org/arc.
Westside Writers Reading Series | Every third Sunday, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Front Porch Arts Center, 5851 W. Madison St. | The Front Porch Arts Center regularly features well-known authors, storytellers, spoken word artists, and writers on the cutting edge of contemporary literature, who have established and sustained a creative presence in our city.
(CSAC) West, 4835 W. Chicago Ave. | Join like-minded community partnering agencies to discuss returning citizens and how we can help them overcome barriers they face to successful reentry. Each meeting features delicious catered free lunch and guest speakers. Call CSAC West Coordinator Maria Moon at (773) 909-2186 or email her at mmoon@ healthauthority.org to RSVP or for more.
Faith, Family & Community Overcomes Meeting | Every Thursday, 3 p.m., Good Neighbor Center, 5437 W. Division St. | Join the Good Neighbor Campaign’s weekly Faith, Family, and Community Overcomers meeting to discuss anxiety, fears, and addictions. Enrich your life! Call (77) 3781878 for more info.
Good Neighbor Campaign Kids Cafe | Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 2 p.m., Good Neighbor Center, 5437 W. Division St. | Good Neighbor offers free lunch for Austin kids. Call (773) 786-0294 for more info.
Look Ahead!
There’s still plenty of time to register for the Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 a.m. The event will kick off at Sankofa Cultural Arts Center, 5820 W. Chicago Ave. Register before Sept. 1 for the early bird pricing of $35 per individual and $350 per team of 10. Prices will increase to $45 and $450 after Sept. 1. Visit austinpower5k.com to register or for more info.
CSAC West Monthly Meeting | Every third Friday of the month, noon to 2 p.m., Community Support Advisory Council
Take Back the Block Community Rally Galvanizes Residents
Earlier this month, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety launched their “Take Back the Block” initiative to foster community engagement and reduce crime. The initiative includes a series of anti-violence activations in areas experiencing high rates of violence.
As we move into the summer months, it is imperative that our communities feel the City’s steadfast commitment to safety and collaborative solutions,” Johnson said.
On July 19, Mayor Johnson’s office hosted an activation near Madison and Leamington in Austin. More activations are planned for July 26, Aug. 2, and Aug. 30.
Parent Mentors Graduate
On June 27, the Good Neighbor Campaign hosted a graduation ceremony for new Parent Mentors. Westside Health Authority’s Good Neighbor Campaign partners with the Parent Engagement Institute to train Parent Mentors who fill equity gaps in local schools by regularly volunteering in classrooms. Parent Mentor Organizer Chanel Martinez facilitated the ceremony. Graduates
COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS [ [
included Shewanta Willis, Darlene Stamps, Eunice Weathers, Diana Nesbitt, Sharon Smith, and Rosetta Williams.
School Supply Drive Donations Needed
The Austin Coming Together Hub Team is hosting a school supply drive and needs your help spreading the word about donations for the back-to-school season. They accept donations Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Office, 5049 W. Harrison St., until Friday, Aug. 8th. For more information, email hub@austincomingtogehter.org.
Participate In Westside Food Surveys, Get Monthly Food Boxes
Austin Eats is a diverse group of stakeholders that have come together with a holistic approach to achieving long-term sustainable change in the food landscape in Austin. If you are an Austin caterer or restaurant, fill out a questionnaire for existing restaurants and caterers to help Austin Eats develop a strategy to support local food entrepreneurs in the Austin area. You can access the questionnaire at rb.gy/obkn2o.
Austin Coming Together is also helping
support the efforts of the Austin Community Food Co-op (ACFC), a group of about 20 community members who are attempting to start a community-led, cooperatively owned grocery store in Austin.
This summer, ACFC is conducting a community survey to gauge interest in this type of grocery store in Austin and what Austin residents would want it to offer. We hope to collect 500 responses by the end of August. You can take the survey online at rb.gy/lq4p4m.
Eligible residents can receive monthly boxes of food and fresh produce for free at home. Qualified Austin residents are eligible for this new program and can apply at vivery.org/apply-for-pilot.
Cook County Raises Minimum Wage
Effective July 1, the Cook County minimum wage increased to $14.05 for non-tipped workers. It will remain $8.40 for tipped employees. The increase applies to “hourly, salaried and tipped employees over the age of 18, working in Cook County, even those who may be working within Cook County to make deliveries or driving within the County limits,” Cook County officials explained.
If you think your employer is not paying the required minimum wage, refer to the
STUDENT of the MONTH
municipality in which you work to ensure the municipality does not have its own minimum wage.
If the municipality has not opted out of the county’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, you can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights. You can get the minimum wage complaint form and additional info at rb.gy/4hedgg.
Take Advantage of Free Mental Health Services
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has recently partnered with the Chicago Public Library to offer mental health services to the community. One particular clinical therapist, Jordan Henderson, offers therapeutic mental health services on Tuesdays at Legler from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These services are free of charge. Henderson primarily offers individual therapy services, with the goal of meeting community members where they are. This may include case management services, such as assisting individuals with housing or food resources. His department also offers medication management services, with the closest physical office in Lawndale. For more information, contact Jordan at either Jordan.Henderson@cityofchicago.org or (312) 744-5371.
Ryhanna Briscoe, 18, wants to become a nurse
By Michael Romain Editor
Earlier this year, we invited community members to nominate a young person for our Student of the Month feature. Ryhanna Briscoe is the second student we’re profiling in this effort.
The 18-year-old graduated from North Lawndale College Prep with a 3.5 GPA. She’s now enrolled at Augustana College and majoring in psychology. She eventually wants to enroll in the college’s nursing program.
On her extracurricular activities
In high school, I was involved in Peace Warriors, a group that came together to stop violence in the community. I also work for Westside Health Authority, where I talk to youth about things we can do to change our community. We also have conversations about real-life things like mental health, and we do various activities.
On why she wants to become a nurse
I like helping people. I’ve always been a helping hand. Growing up, I was always around my grandmother—whether going to work with her, helping her with her snowball stands, or making Easter baskets. She also had a daycare.
On her hobbies
I like listening to music, shopping, going outside, and coloring. My favorite musical artists are [rappers] Lil Baby and Lil Durk. I also like R&B love songs.
Ryhanna Briscoe. PROVIDED
OUT & ABOUT [ [
T&C Fitness Club, Austin’s Only Black-Owned Fitness Club, Has Something for Everyone
By Michael Romain Editor
Cornelius Coe, 48, and his wife, Katrina Coe, 38, had originally sought to purchase space for their popular workout classes when they purchased an empty building at 5910 W. Chicago Ave. in 2021.
“When we first walked in here, the vision was just to have an open space for our classes and some programming, but the vision grew daily,” Cornelius said.
Three years later, that vision has materialized into a 9,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art facility that features a smoothie bar, turf space, community room, basketball court, locker rooms with showers, and a weight room. The couple officially opened T&C Fitness in June.
“We figured, why couldn’t we as a Black couple have brand new walls, showers, and equipment?” Cornelius said. “It took longer because we wanted it to be right.”
The Westside natives met nearly a decade ago. Cornelius, a former college and Arena League football player, was working as a program manager at the Austin Community Family Center in the old YMCA at 501 N. Central Ave. Katrina, a certified personal trainer, had come to the facility looking for space to train her clients.
Katrina’s Train With Trina fitness brand boasts over 32,000 Instagram followers and 13,000 Facebook followers. She said her foray into personal fitness started after she resolved to change her eating habits and start a workout regimen.
“One day, I saw myself in the mirror and I didn’t like what I saw,” she said. “That motivated me to want to look and be better.”
Katrina said she so inspired some people who saw her consistency in the gym that they joined her workouts.
“That’s what pushed me to be a trainer,” she said. “It was never my goal, but because of the people I attracted, I was forced into the position, and I began to have a pas-
sion and love for it. I got into bodybuilding shows and eventually got my certification.”
If You Go
T&C Fitness Club, 5910 W. Chicago Ave., offers a $24.99 monthly membership plan that offers unlimited access to its weight room, basketball court, turf area, and locker rooms. Ask about its most popular class, Katrina’s Booty Bootcamp, and taste Cornelius’s peanut butter strawberry protein smoothie (the consistency was just right when I tried it). The club also rents out its community room and turf space for events. CONTACTS
On the web: tandcfitnessclub.com By email: info@tandcfitnessclub.com By phone: (872) 246-5556
Cornelius, who has organized basketball camps, afterschool programs, and mentoring initiatives on the Westside, said the couple’s three years of hard work building out T&C (which stands for Trina and Cornelius) has paid off.
“We could have easily slapped some paint on the wall and opened the doors,” he said. “Our client base would have come regardless but we wanted something the community could be proud of when they walk in here."
Owners Cornelius and Katrina Coe said they wanted a space the community could be proud of when they walked inside. | KENN COOK JR.
Patron Shannon Lurks works out in T&C Fitness Club's weight room. | KENN COOK JR.
T&C Fitness Club features a basketball court, community room, locker rooms equipped with showers, and a weight room. | KENN COOK JR.
In Photos: The Third Annual West Side Youth Empowerment Conference
Conference
Janeicia Williams, the conference's organizer, said students were able to explore more of the city this year.
Congressman Danny K. Davis, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly and Ald. Chris Taliaferro at the conference's closing banquet.
This year's conference attracted 110 high school and young adult participants across the Westside.
Students perform at the third annual West Side Youth Empowerment Conference.
participants were treated to workshops on restorative justice, violence prevention, mental health, financial literacy, and college and career readiness, among other topics.
PHOTOS BY KENN COOK JR.
Janeicia Williams, who organized the third annual West Side Youth Empowerment Conference, held June 28 through June 30, said 100 high school students and 10 young adults participated this year. "The conference has definitely grown. This year, we added an extra night and increased the quality of the workshop experience."
The Westside Branch NAACP was the conference's primary sponsor. Project Exploration, Habilitative Systems, Inc., the Bright Leadership Institute, Amazon, Verizon and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) were co-sponsors.
During this year's conference, students explored Navy Pier for a night and walked Downtown.
The Making of a Mural
As artist Barrett Keithley painted the mural ‘Peace Over Everything,’ we explored his creative process
Photos by Shanel Romain
Barrett Keithley, 36, co-founded the nonprofit Paint the City in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd Protests. The organization’s mission is “to create inspiring works of art that support the equality of all people and show that Black Lives Matter,” its website states.
Since its founding, Paint The City has worked
with about 60 artists and affected over 13 city neighborhoods. This spring, Westside Health Authority (WHA) commissioned Keithley to create a 2-story mural on the side of its building at 5257 W. Chicago Ave.
The mural, “Peace Over Everything,” is the same name as WHA’s summer-long campaign, emphasizing nonviolence and positivity. In addition to painting the mural, Keithley
Artist Barrett Keithley says he wants to bring more public artwork to Black and Brown neighborhoods in Chicago and the suburbs.
will activate Pop Fit, 5500 W Madison St., and Pop Courts, 5257 W. Chicago Ave., by engaging area residents in various creative activities. Notably, he’ll use his effort to refurbish the mural at Pop Courts to teach residents mural-making skills.
The Culture contributor and artist Shanel Romain shadowed Keithley for a day to learn about his technique and creative process.
Attend the Unveiling
WHA will host the mural’s unveiling on Saturday, Aug. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. at 5103 W. Chicago Ave. The event will feature performances by songstress Ziajenaye, hip-hop artist Mr. Pope, and spoken word artist Azaira Bake. Music by DJ Ransom, cold refreshments, and giveaways.
Keithley stretches before embarking on the physically demanding task of painting his mural.
Corbin Jefferson (above), an Austin resident, admires Keithley's mural. (Below) Barrett Keithley daps up a passerby ouside of his mural site.
Keithley begins his mural by using the doodle grid method to scale up the image. He then snaps a photo of the doodle wall, imports it into his iPad, and layers it on top of the grid with transparency, allowing him to view both the image and grid simultaneously for precise alignment.
Within the doodles, inspirational words like 'be great,' 'be love' and 'be the best person you can be' stand out.
