Building off the success of last year’s full-length documentary about social issues facing V.I. youth, members of Graffiti Street and My Brother’s Workshop are inviting the public to Emancipation Garden on Thursday for the unveiling of their latest community service project.
Graffiti Street and My Brother’s Workshop are both local nonprofits geared toward helping local youth. While Graffiti Street is primarily an after-school program for high school students, My Brother’s Workshop caters to young men between the ages of 16 and 24, and teaches them the vocational skills they need in areas such as construction, plumbing and electrical work, in order to get an entry-level job.
Last year’s documentary, entitled "Lessons in Life Management," allowed members in both organizations to discuss some of the social problems they face on a daily basis, while encouraging their peers to make the best decisions possible when confronted with tough situations.
Both organizations have been working for the past few months on the three panel, multimedia installation piece, which was conceptualized by renowned local artist Bill Thompson.
The mural, which is being donated to the government, is meant to symbolize the members’ collective vision for change in the territory, particularly in areas such as crime and education.
The unveiling ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Emancipation Garden, with featured speakers including My Brother’s Workshop head Scott Bradley, Gov. John deJongh Jr. and other community leaders.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to talk to members of Graffiti Street and My Brother’s Workshop after the unveiling.
