Yesterday, I had the privilege of watching muralists Mark Garrett and Dietrich Williams put the final touches on the first part of what’s to become a large mural dedicated to the life of Representative and Civil Rights activist John Lewis. A few young community friends were there to share in the happy moment and add their own, if you will, spraystrokes to the stunning mural that rises high above the Sunoco at the northwestern corner of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue SE. There will be a community celebration coming up in mid-December sometime– Dietrich, Mark and HIS Grooming owner Jared Maurice will update us soon with more details. In the meantime, here are some more photos from yesterday.
The mural was originally supposed to go up on the wall next to HIS Grooming. Owner Jared Maurice was approached by Mark and Dietrich to use his business’s wall for a mural to honor one of his most beloved clients, John Lewis. Serendipitously, Maurice had wanted to commission a mural as well. Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the artwork. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.The last rays of sunlight hit the facade of the first completed part of the mural, which overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.Little Jude shows off a photo where he is sitting on Rep. Lewis’s lap. Behind him, you can see the mural. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.Paris got a chance to spraypaint part of one of the fists behind him. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.Here he is in action. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.About five children participated in the production of the mural, gathering yesterday to add color to the raised fists at the bottom. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.Adding more color to the fists. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.Shortly after the sun set, Mark and Dietrich called it a day. Here, Mark signs the wall. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.And here, it’s Dietrich’s turn. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.This wall will soon have more vignettes of Rep. Lewis’s life. The mural will wrap around both walls and connect. Photo by Maria Helena Carey.
