Robert Service Senior Public School recently partnered with acclaimed local artist Mosa McNeilly through its Black Student Alliance (BSA), led by Khadijah Jabari, teacher and artist, embarking on a groundbreaking art project. After securing funding through the Ontario Arts Council Artists in the Community and Schools Grant, the school was able to create a stunning mural celebrating Afrofuturism and student identities.
Students as Heroes
At the heart of the mural project was an inspiring goal: to encourage students to envision themselves as heroes. Through engaging workshops and creative inquiry, Mosa McNeilly and Khadijah Jabari led 17 BSA students in exploring themes of identity, justice, community, and the diverse cultures of the African diaspora. Together, the students co-created the design of the mural, carefully choosing landscapes and architectural landmarks with significance to the theme of Afrofuturism.
Creating Superhero Personas
A standout feature of the mural is the inclusion of the students' self-portraits—each one a unique superhero persona. With McNeilly & Jabari's guidance, students reflected on their unique traits and explored how to personify their excellence as superheroes. African symbols and cultural elements were woven into their characters, bringing to life a bold, personal vision of identity and strength.
The Mural Comes to Life
The completed mural, titled "Don't Touch My Afro...Futurism Cuz I'm a Black Superhero", now stands proudly in the school's cafeteria. More than art, the mural serves as a teaching and learning wall that shines a light on African Civilizations, Architecture, Culture and Afrofuturism.
