Painting Hope

Last year there were graffiti concerns in our neighborhood. It was not art, mostly tags.

We live by Mount Royal University, and there is a lot of foot traffic in our neighborhood. No one was caught so we can't say it came from the kids. We don't have those facts so I can't "assume".

So we held a meeting. And through working together we had some of the concerns resolved. Other things take time and research, and money.

The community partners were Bethany Chapel, Calgary Police Service, our City Councillor Brian Pincott, Calgary Neighborhood Social Worker, and our Landlord. The residents brought their concerns, and as a group we discussed the issues and how to solve them.

The tagging was one of the issues, the solution, create a mural!

Calgary Foundation approved a Grant, we got an artist, Ricole Fedyna to come in and work with the kids to design it. Make it their own. Create a beautiful design and show the cultural diversity in our community.

Today I learned that our families come from places like Nepal, Africa, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Phillipines, Afghanistan, etc....

We don't see their skin color, or their religion, all we see is the strength and beauty in each and every one of them.

One boy started using hashtags. Like #Justbehappy, #Lovebeingcanadian, and #Stopracism. The last one broke my heart. He also wrote Nelson Mandela's name and year of birth and death.

Worry and concern filled my mind and I sat down to chat with him. Asked him what racism meant, he understood full well. I asked him if that happened in the neighborhood, he said No. But in school and other places he sees and feels it. He is a CHILD!! He should not know what the word "racism" means!

We started the design, next engagement will include education by the Calgary Police Service.

The greatest to see, was the whole family involved. Supporting their kids in the project. The adults are so busy trying to survive for their families, it's rare they get to have fun together in a warm, welcoming environment that Knox Presbyterian was able to provide for us.

I love my community. If I could have chosen where I was to live, I couldn't have chosen a better home!