Atlanta

New art installation encourages Atlanta community to contribute to project

ATLANTA — Anyone in the area of southwest Atlanta by Park Avenue Baptist church will see the sidewalk and steps full of art.

Artist Janackheh Blackwell lined the sidewalk with pictures of different people who lost their lives to police brutality and other crimes. About halfway down the walk, visitors are reminded to remember.

“I want them to not forget that these are people’s lives,” Blackwell said.

The church is currently closed due to the pandemic, but the message of hope and healing is very clear. The co-pastors Darci Jaret and Henra Chenault want this art displayed as a symbol of solidarity within the southwest Atlanta community.

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“It reminds us of what’s going on. It just didn’t start in 2020, it’s been going on throughout our history,” the co-pastors said.

Park Avenue Baptist Church is a few miles away from the Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed. His death sparked protests and a public outcry for social justice and change.

Later, Secoreia Turner, an 8-year-old little girl was also shot and killed while riding in the car with her mother.

The community is invited to participate in the outdoor art display. A box of colorful ribbons is available for weaving and a board is there for anyone to write a note.

“Just allowing people to sit and focus and remember where we are in history and how we can make an impact,” according to the co-pastors and its working people have stopped gotten out of their cars and taken pictures of it.

The co-pastors believe the art will be displayed until the church reopens.

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