“I do believe now that I can be president.”
So said 11-year-old Alahna Moss, following a ceremony unveiling a mural commemorating Barack Obama’s ascension to President of the United States.
The mural, part of the Jubilee Family Center’s Teen Cultural Diversity Project, was dedicated Tuesday afternoon, just a few hours after Obama’s swearing-in ceremony. More than 50 spectators, many of them participants in the center’s programs, were on hand for the occasion.
“It felt like I’m doing something toward my community,” said Ayja Moss, 11, who worked with Alahna, her twin sister, on the mural.
Local artist and former Heritage High School art teacher Michael Twery directed the project, joined by Thomas Williams, 26, and Tanaica Higginbotham, 15, and a few others.
The mural has been in the works since October, when Obama’s presidency was not yet a foregone conclusion.
“They decided that’s what they wanted to do … and all that was before the election,” Twery said, noting the group had a backup plan, which they scrapped on Election Day.
The mural, more than an opportunity for the artists to display their creativity, served as a manifestation of their pride.
“We just felt really proud to be black,” said Alahna, adding, “We just like thanked God ever since Barack Obama started campaigning.”
Ayja said she was reminded of a poster that used a basketball motif to illustrate taking chances.
“You’ll always miss one percent if you never take the shot,” she said.
As for Obama’s victory?
“Swish.”
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