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Big Sister Boston Reveals Community Mural In Roxbury

Posted 08/04/2016

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Big Sister Boston proudly revealed our community mural on the exterior wall of Merengue Restaurant in Roxbury on Wednesday, August 3. The mural, which depicts actual Big and Little Sisters, was inspired by Salem State University marketing professor Don White and his students Alen Dizdarevic, Marissa Murphy, and Russell Thompson. The mural was then brought to life by the City of Boston Mayor’s Mural Crew (MMC) and its director, Heidi Schork. The MMC is made up of youth volunteers from across the city of Boston. A collaborative effort by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events and the Boston Youth Fund, the MMC’s professional artists assist these apprentices in improving their skills, gaining professional experience, and contributing to the overall vitality of the city.

During the event, City Councilor At Large, Ayanna Pressley, who is herself a Big Sister Boston alumna, gave an impassioned speech about the power of mentoring, why girls in our city need positive female role models, and the importance of having more women of color step up to become Big Sisters. Boston Police Academy Superintendent, Lisa Holmes, who actively supports the organization by hosting volunteer events with her staff, also spoke to the need for more women of color to mentor girls in our community and help them achieve their dreams.

“We are so proud of this mural, the amazing work of Heidi Schork and the youth artists of the Mayor’s Mural Crew, and the generosity of Nivia Pina and Merengue for giving us this space to visually represent our commitment to our community,” said Big Sister Boston CEO, Deborah Re. “We hope that the mural will encourage more women to become Big Sisters, so that more of our city’s girls can benefit from the profound impact that comes from a positive mentoring relationship.”