The walls of Salama Urban Ministries came alive with color and meaning as students unveiled a new mural they had helped to create. Gathered with families, teachers and community members, the students pointed proudly to each vibrant panel, sharing stories of how the images reflected their identities and experiences.
Designed and led by local artist Elisheba Israel Mrozik, the mural is the result of a collaborative project supported and facilitated by Vanderbilt University’s Division of Government and Community Relations and Salama Urban Ministries, an arts and academic-focused youth development nonprofit serving students in Metro Nashville Public Schools. After students crafted their own personal collages, Mrozik transformed their creations into a dynamic mural that will soon travel to various public spaces throughout Nashville.
Expressing identity through collaborative art
The mural project began with Salama students spending several days creating collages to represent their stories and Black identity. Mrozik then incorporated these student-made artworks into four vibrant panels, blending their voices with her own artistic vision.
“Working with the Salama students was such an enriching experience,” Mrozik said. “Their energy, passion and unique perspectives have infused this mural with a profound sense of authenticity and pride. The power of creating your own identity is so important, and I’m honored to have been part of this collaborative process.”
Dawana Wade, CEO of Salama Urban Ministries, shared her thoughts with her students on the significance of the mural project: "This mural is a powerful tool to position ourselves and our youth to dispel the negativity and myths around identities of color. Nashville will know you by your works—you are powerful, and we want the community to feel that power."
Vanderbilt Chief Community Impact Officer Midori Lockett also expressed her admiration for the students' artistry. "This mural is a powerful testament to the creativity and imagination of the Salama students," she said. “Through Elisheba’s vision and guidance, these young artists have created something that reaches far beyond the classroom—a work of art that amplifies their voices and celebrates their unique stories.”
Expanding community connections through art
The inspiration for the Salama mural project grew from Mrozik’s previous work, the First Family of Black Country mural, unveiled this summer on Chestnut Street, neighboring Salama in the Edgehill community.
On November 20, Randall will share more about My Black Country, and the first family represented in the mural, through a book talk and signing on campus in the Central Library Community Room. This event is open to the community, and co-hosted by Vanderbilt’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, The Writing Studio and the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy.
The unveiling of the mural project marks the latest chapter in the ongoing partnership between Vanderbilt and Salama Urban Ministries and exemplifies Vanderbilt’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful partnerships that uplift the Nashville community.
To discover more about Vanderbilt’s community partnerships, visit the Community Relations website.