February 25, 2022
Black women who were slain as the result of violence are being honored with an art mural that will remain at St. John’s University throughout February’s Black History Month and Women’s History Month in March.
The wall mural, located in Marillac Terrace on the Queens, NY, campus, is part of the #SayHerNameSJU campaign, a version of the national #SayHerName campaign created by the African American Policy Forum (AAPF), a social justice think tank that connects academics, activists, and policy makers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality.
While AAPF’s campaign highlights the stories of Black women killed during instances of police brutality and/or negligence, the St. John’s campaign focuses on uplifting the lives and names of Black women who lost their lives through gun, police, and domestic violence. St. John’s efforts include learning opportunities, reflections, fundraising, and a video montage of University members who recognize the lives of some of these women.
The mural also displays names and photographs of Black women killed because of racism, sexism, transphobia, and neglect.
The Catholic Relief Services Ambassadors of Global Justice, St. John’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Society of Global Development and Sustainability collaborated on the tribute.
During the immersive art experience, participants are asked to reflect on the individuals who are remembered, as well as to conduct further research on their stories.