Bronx
Inclusive Safety Mural

Located at International Community High School in Mott Haven, Bronx

Located at International Community High School in Mott Haven, Bronx

Created by:
Bronx-based Artist Lola Lovenotes & International Community High School (ICHS) Students

Over the course of several virtual collaborative design sessions, Lovenotes and ICHS students discussed what Inclusive Safety means for them and their community, and explored which images and visual themes could represent that.

One common theme that arose was the symbolic meaning of “home” as a place (literal or metaphoric) where we can experience safety and belonging. This is represented with the blue sky, water, tropical plants and flowers, and textile designs that allude to the nature and traditions of the many of the Caribbean, African, and Latin American countries the ICHS students originate from.

The silhouettes of the children at the base of the mural are painted in different shades to represent diversity and inclusion, and were kept in solid tones and without detail to include all genders and identities. Their arms are outstretched, welcoming viewers into the safe space of the mural, and inviting them to stand with them in front of the heart and embrace. 

The large figure of a woman holding her arms in a heart-shaped embrace is meant to symbolize warmth, safety, nurturing, and belonging for everyone, and invites all viewers to stand in the safe and inclusive space she holds. The words “You Belong Here” are placed in the center of the warm embrace, sending the metaphoric message that everyone belongs and deserves to feel safe, as well as the literal meaning to stand in that location to interact with the mural, feel a sense of warmth and belonging, and take a photo in the embrace.

~1 Minute Mural Timelapse Video + Behind-the-Scenes Photos

Interested in seeing the other Inclusive Safety Murals?

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Resources

If you want to learn how to be a better bystander, check out these free resources from our friends at Righttobe!:

If you are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic and gender-based violence - help is always available to you.

  • You can access information and resources to help anyone experiencing dating, domestic, gender-based, or family violence, including elder abuse, by visiting www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE, or by calling the NYC 24/7 confidential Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (1-800-621-4673) or TTY 1-866-604-5350.  

  • The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) Training Team provides engaging, interactive training and technical assistance to support service providers in effectively identifying and responding to clients experiencing domestic and gender-based violence. ENDGBV tailors its trainings to meet organizational/agency staff needs. Read more about the Training Team.

  • The Healthy Relationship Training Academy provides violence prevention workshops for young people ages 13-24 and staff who work with young people. Please read these FAQs and then request the appropriate Academy workshop(s).

  • If you are sexually harassed or discriminated against based on a protected category under the Human Rights Law in New York City, please report this to the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Call (212) 416-0197 or fill out an online inquiry form.

  • The Commission on Human Rights offers a youth leadership development program to identify human rights issues in their communities, develop solutions, and build their leadership skills.