Library Gets New Mural Uplifting East Lansing Civil Rights History
On September 29, East Lansing Public Library held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new mural on the northwest-facing exterior wall. This vibrant new mural, titled “Kitchen Table Conversations,” showcases some of East Lansing’s civil rights history, while telling the story of current residents. The mural was created by Dustin Hunt of Muralmatics. The people depicted in the mural are modeled after real East Lansing residents. In the mural, they’re sitting at a kitchen table discussing current social justice issues, with historical artifacts from East Lansing’s civil rights history scattered through the scene. The mural tells the story of these East Lansing residents, while also educating the public on the city’s past, and illustrating how conversations on justice continue today.
The library is thrilled to have this artistic, inclusive, and educational resource. We strongly encourage visitors to come admire and engage with the art, consider what it can tell us about East Lansing’s history, then come inside the building to continue their learning with the many books and resources inside the library’s walls as well. As a community resource and hub for learning, we are proud to act as a safe space that fosters these continued conversations about equity and justice. Soon the artist will install a QR code near the mural, which will allow community member to explore the mural in a more interactive way. Through the QR code, people will be able to read, watch, and listen to a variety of media to learn about the significance of certain details in the mural, and how it relates to East Lansing’s own history. In the meantime, you can learn more about the conversation by checking out the WILX Studio 10 Interviews playlist on the ELPL YouTube channel. Next time you are near the East Lansing Public Library, stop by and check out this impressive work of art! This mural was paid for with funds from the East Lansing Arts Commission’s Public Art Fund.
