I LOVE MY HOOD, an MBE-certified Department of Education vendor, is a collective of artists, educators, and social justice activists dedicated to empowering communities through art.
Many schools lack inspiring visuals, creating dull environments that stifle creativity. Our “Murals in Schools” program brings students, teachers, and local artists together to create murals reflecting their community’s culture and values.
Through art, students learn expression, social awareness, and the impact of the American (in)justice system on cultural revolutions. They gain hands-on experience, exploring art as a therapeutic process while contributing to meaningful public works.
We prioritize community building, cultural significance, and fostering pride in staying and growing within one's neighborhood. From small to large-scale murals, we transform educational spaces into vibrant hubs of inspiration.
What we see daily shapes our youth, making visual representation vital. Many school walls, though full of potential, remain bland, cluttered with disproportionate flyers and posters.
Investing in Positive Perception: Beyond beautification, murals foster pride, self-worth, and a healthier atmosphere by embracing the culture and innovation of each school. By highlighting positive images of Black, Latino, and Native individuals, especially young women of color, we counter negative media narratives and celebrate our communities.
Engagement:
-
Workshops with students
-
Discussions on media representation
-
Brainstorming solutions
-
Exploring tools and cultural references
-
Collaborative mural creation
Our work redefines education, representing young people of color as leaders, innovators, and role models.