Local Activists of Over 30 Years Are Captured in Mural

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Local Activists pose with Habitat for Humanity NYC Mural Through Laurelton Operation Clean-Up

A new mural has been designed at the Laurelton LIRR station to capture the legacy of local activists and inspire future change agents to take the reigns. The latest mural designed for the Laurelton LIRR station is an abstract design of the Tudor homes of Laurelton embodied by silhouettes of local activists who have been fighting to keep Laurelton beautiful for over 30 years. The local activists that are featured on the mural are, Bonnie Huie, 229 Street Block Association, Dwight Johnson, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Mike Carter, South East Queens Community Partnership, Bess DeBetham, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Robert Glover, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Judy Rivera, Federated Blocks of Laurelton.

Many of the activists featured on the wall have been serving the community since 1972. Bess DeBetham recalls when she first joined the Federated Blocks of Laurelton in 1972. Mrs. BeDetham describes her experience of community activism as the stars aligning and allowing her to be surrounded by the right people to let her know change is possible. All of the local activists are hoping that the mural will inspire others to ask questions and continue the work.

Bess DeBetham poses with her silhouette
Judy Rivera poses with her silhouette.
Robert Glover poses with his silhouette.
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Clarisa James
Clarisa James is the Co-Founder/Executive Director of DIVAS (Digital Interactive Visual Arts Sciences) for Social Justice. For the past seven years DIVAS has provided free or sliding scale technology training to youth in underserved communities in Central Brooklyn and Southeast Queens. Ms. James has been dedicated to youth development work for the past 15years in the roles of Teaching Artist, After School Director, Curriculum Specialist and artist. Her life's work encompasses empowering youth in underserved communities to use technology for social change and think critically about the issues that are affecting them most. For the past seven years Ms. James has facilitated workshops that help youth develop multimedia projects around environmental justice, housing, leadership development and reproductive justice. Ms. James holds an MFA in Integrated Media Arts from Hunter College's Film & Media Department. In addition to DIVAS for Social Justice, Ms. James currently serves on the advisory board of the Children’s Cabinet, Office of the Deputy Mayor Strategic Policy Initiatives at City Hall. Clarisa James is full of gratitude to her parents for providing such a wonderful upbringing and having the foresight to move into the community of Laurelton in the early 1970's. Clarisa is proud to be a daughter of Laurelton.