In Selma, art has always served as a vivid reminder of the city’s history and its enduring journey toward justice and equality. Recently, the Beloved Community Block Club (BCBC) East Selma Neophytes joined this tradition, partnering with the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation (SCNTR) to create a mural that celebrates the strength and resilience of their neighborhood. The mural, painted against the backdrop of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, stands as a bold testament to community, connection, and progress.
Art Rooted in Collective Vision
The mural, created during a day of collaboration and creativity, features vibrant depictions of individuals walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Each person carries a backpack adorned with symbols representing values that resonate deeply with the BCBC and the broader Selma community—hope, truth, accountability, and the vision of a better future.
This project was about art and storytelling. It depicts the work of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) team in Selma, and the associated lives, dreams, and aspirations of Selma residents. The group included residents, local artists, and members of SCNTR who contributed their talents and voices to shape the final piece.
A Community Brought Together
The mission of the BCBC is to foster strong, thriving neighborhoods. The mural-painting day itself was a celebration. Children, elders, and local leaders gathered to contribute in various ways—whether through painting, sharing ideas, or simply offering encouragement. Vibrant hues and meaningful imagery transformed the wall into a source of pride, unity, and hope.
Participants in the mural project were also met during the BCBC East Selma canvassing efforts, which aimed to connect neighbors and identify shared concerns. Residents expressed gratitude for initiatives like this, which not only beautify the community but also bring people together in meaningful ways.
Stories in Every Brushstroke
One of the most compelling aspects of the mural is the backpacks worn by the figures walking across the bridge. These backpacks symbolize the values carried by the community—integrity, interdependence, and compassionate accountability, among others. The backpacks are adorned with phrases like “Hope Dealers” and “VIP,” signifying that every individual has a role to play in building a better neighborhood. The bridge, known for its bloody history and symbolism of change, represents more than a landmark; it is a path forward.
The mural is only the beginning. The BCBC East Selma Neophytes are continuing their work to address the pressing issues facing their neighborhood. The club is organizing its first meetings to establish leadership roles and a value system that will guide their activities. The values of integrity, interdependence, and compassionate accountability—highlighted in the mural—will serve as the foundation for their work.
As the vibrant colors of the mural catch the sunlight each day, they remind every passerby of Selma’s legacy of resilience and the collective determination to build a brighter future. This is what it means to live in and build the Beloved Community—a future shaped by the hands, hearts, and hopes of its people.
To learn more about the SCNTR’s BCBC program contact BCBC Coordinator Felicia Gill at fgill@selmacntr.org or visit www.selmacntr.org.
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