PPG Black Employee Network honors Dr. King with colorful murals

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, members of PPG’s Black Employee Network (BEN) marked Black History Month by honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with impactful artwork inspired by his life and legacy. The art incorporated PPG paint color “Visionary” (PPG1210-3), a soft, bright, glow stick yellow with a sunflower undertone that the BEN has dedicated to Dr. King to honor and represent his vision of a more inclusive world for all people.

At Pittsburgh King pre-kindergarten – eighth grade school, students and faculty believe at the heart of the school’s transformation is a shared commitment to and relentless pursuit of racial equity. With this in mind, members of PPG’s BEN created colorful transformations in classrooms and common spaces as part of a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project.

For Hendekea Azene, PPG general manager, global automotive adhesives and sealants, and chair of PPG’s BEN, a vibrant mural depicting the words of Dr. King brought the network’s acts of service to life.

“Through this project, we hope the students of Pittsburgh King are refreshed and engaged with the inspiring words of Dr. King,” said Azene. “Centered around justice, inclusivity and acceptance, the school’s new murals and wall colors aim to create a safe space for each student to learn, grow and thrive.”

Known for exploring social justice through artwork, local visual artist and muralist Juliandra Jones joined the PPG volunteers to design and create custom murals. Volunteers participated in painting murals and walls in the school’s cafeteria, hallways, art room, science and social studies room, and emotional support room.

"I know the students are going to be really excited to see these beautiful murals. It's like walking into a new school building. Fresh paint, bright colors and people on the walls who look like them,” said Dawn Gordon, Pittsburgh King, principal. “My desire is that our students will realize they are important and deserve to have a nice, clean school. My hope is that these murals bring new energy, excitement, and KING PRIDE to our school community."

“Visionary” was used throughout the murals at Pittsburgh King to incorporate Dr. King’s lasting legacy throughout the school.

Click here or view the video below to see how the Colorful Communities program beautified the Pittsburgh King School.