Student-painted mural promotes inclusivity and belonging

The mural, painted by National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and Black Student Union (BSU) students, features eight Black role models.

When students walk through Hatboro-Horsham High School, they will see a brand-new mural featuring prominent Black artists. To help Black students feel representation and belonging, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) teamed up with the Black Student Union (BSU) to plan and paint the mural.

“Because we have such a diverse group of students in our school, we wanted to start a five-year project of creating murals to help students see themselves represented in our school in a visual manner, seeing role models to look up to and imagery from their culture represented,” said Leah Ellert, art department chair and co-sponsor of NAHS with Bob Zellman. BSU was the first on NAHS’s list because they helped Ellert think of the idea and wanted to collaborate on a design. They also spoke to Charlie Masters, choir director, who plans the Black History Month concert every February and came up with the mural theme of “Black Voices in the Arts.”

The mural features eight Black role models: musicians Paul Robeson and Rosetta Tharpe; actors Chadwick Boseman and Cleo Sylvestre; artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Faith Ringgold; and writers James Baldwin and Maya Angelou.

“From this mural, BSU hopes students not only gravitate more toward the fine arts but also become inspired by the fact that there were greats that came before them who also look like them,” said Ellisa Sadler, BSU leader and twelfth-grade student. “This mural reinforces the importance of representation in our community, as it is important to display empowering figures, specifically for our Black student body to see.”

The eight artists were narrowed down from a list of about fifty. NAHS and BSU students came together for a planning meeting and researched people who not only excelled in their content area but also were good citizens who supported their communities. After creating a list of possibilities, students were assigned a person or two to look up and present a spotlight on at the next meeting.

“It was a completely student-driven list and decision process,” said Ellert. “It was really incredible to see them all come together and then make an argument of why their person would be a great choice for the mural.”

After students voted to select the eight individuals, NAHS officers began digitally designing the mural based on powerful portraits. They projected the design onto the wall – located in a second-floor hallway near the library – and began tracing the design. “We intentionally chose that spot because it’s such a high-traffic area,” said Ellert. “We want the students to see themselves in the school, so we wanted it to be somewhere they will pass often.”

Because the mural is in such a busy area, it was difficult to work on during the school day, so NAHS students and a few BSU students painted after school and on weekends. “These kids are coming into school when they don’t have to, to work on this mural and are having a great time,” said Ellert. “We play music, bring snacks and they keep asking me to come in on more Saturdays because it’s such a fun time.”

NAHS students fundraise at community events to raise money for the mural’s art supplies. Painted with acrylics, the mural also features an educational map, so students can scan the QR codes and learn more about each individual.

The mural was unveiled to the public at the high school’s Black History Month concert on February 22. A photo of the mural was displayed, and guests were invited to go upstairs to view it in person.

“This is probably my favorite mural that we’ve done so far because the kids are such a fantastic driving force,” said Ellert. “It’s really fun and beautiful to watch the students work on something that they feel so passionate about.”

The new mural is one of about fifty in Hatboro-Horsham High School. While they differ in size and subject matter, the art department usually creates one a year. The idea for the mural was also kickstarted by last year’s project when NAHS collaborated with professional muralist and El Salvadorian native, Calo Rosa. The design incorporated a lot of South and Central American culture including native plants and vibrant colors.

“A lot of students said, ‘This reminds me of home,’” said Ellert. “We want to link up with more student organizations, starting with some of the minority groups, so they can also feel that slice of home and feel welcomed in our school community.”

In addition to involvement with the mural and Black History Month concert, BSU visited the district’s elementary schools to read in classrooms and facilitate group activities. Elementary students also participated in assemblies, hands-on crafts and visits from artists to gain a deeper understanding of African Americans’ contributions.

Keith Valley Middle School students engaged in various activities, including a Black History Month Door Decorating Contest. Students created informative displays highlighting influential historical figures, pivotal events and cultural contributions.