'Black Excellence' mural transforms Coventry parking lot

 Photo by Donte Washington

On Sept. 26, artists Jimmy Hayden and Wayne Pollard, and a Heights Libraries board member, Gabe Crenshaw, transformed the parking lot by Heights Libraries Coventry branch and Coventry PEACE Park with a mural celebrating the achievements of Black Northeast Ohioans, both past and present.

Embedded in the words “Black Excellence” are images of authors Langston Hughes and Toni Morrison; Oscar-winning actor Halle Berry; athletes LeBron James, Jesse Owens, and Rich Paul; scientist Garrett Morgan; and elected officials Carl Stokes, Louis Stokes, and Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. The mural also gives a nod to the community with the inclusion of the words “Tiger Nation,” and the logos of the city of Cleveland Heights and of the community group Safer Heights.

Crenshaw said the mural’s creation was inspired by recent events. “The most recent killings of Black people, both by law enforcement and civilians who deemed it their duty to police Black people, is what inspired me to take on this project,” she said. “The phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ had become politicized, and people were unwilling to separate the ethical and moral statement from the organization. This led me to suggest the phrase, ‘Black Excellence.’”

Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin said the creation of the mural was supported by the library’s board members, who wanted to show support to the Black community in the Heights after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, in May.

“When we saw the Black Lives Matter murals being painted in Washington, D.C., New York, and Cleveland, the board of trustees started to discuss if we should have some sort of affirming artwork at the library. Gabe said she had contacts who could do a great job if we wanted our own mural,” said Levin. “The board decided that we should ask the Friends of the Heights Libraries if they wished to support the project because they have a long history of supporting artwork for our branches.”

The Friends board approved the request and paid for the project, which cost $2,357.

“I'm glad we chose Black Excellence because it evokes feelings of joy and pride—it’s a statement of affirmation for the Black community,” Crenshaw said. “And the location is ideal because as Black children play at the [Coventry] playground, they will be reminded of their excellence, which is not celebrated enough.”  

Crenshaw used her local contacts to find the artists. Wayne Pollard was recommended to her by a friend, and she already knew of Jimmy Hayden, an alumnus of Cleveland Heights schools, and a Heights resident, business owner, and artist who uses a graffiti style.

“I hope that the mural’s lasting impact will be to inspire individuals, particularly the Black youth, to explore more deeply Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to society,” stated Crenshaw.

Sheryl Banks

Sheryl Banks is the communications manager for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library System.

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Volume 13, Issue 11, Posted 5:56 PM, 10.12.2020