OKLAHOMA CITY – An east side community group is revitalizing area streets with artwork in order to spread the word about an upcoming event that inspires peace.
East side community members are using this mural to spread the word about an event that inspires peace. @kfor pic.twitter.com/E8T2vTXa9p
— Jessica Bruno (@JbrunoKFOR) August 21, 2016
“Usually, when you’re on the east side, you see trash, you see debris, you see dilapidated buildings,” said Elijah Mothershed Bey.
However, a community group is trying to change that.
“We’ve been doing this project now for two weeks. We first started out just cleaning the area. We then sent out a message on Facebook and social media asking for graffiti artists,” said Mothershed Bey.
It didn’t take long for responses to pour in.
“Drumbeat is basically one mind, one heart, one soul. It’s unity. It’s love. It’s just trying to bring all races and creeds together,” said Christopher Turner.
It’s not just a painting on the side of the road, but it’s an upcoming event.
“What the Drumbeat Festival is inspiring is people to come together of all nationalities in a multicultural setting and celebrate peace, unity and respect for all,” Mothershed Bey said.
That’s something that Mothershed Bey said the east side community needs.
That’s why they’re using a mural to spread the word.
“We have been getting excellent responses from our audience, which is the street. So, as people are driving by, they’re honking. They’re waving. They’re screaming out that they want to see more of it,” Mothershed Bey said. “What we’re doing, we’re harmonizing the mind, the body and the spirit for unity and peace in our community instead of violence and chaos.”
The Drumbeat Festival is Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Kemet Plaza.
It’s a free event.
