COLORLINES: The Art Institute of Chicago is commemorating the historic “Wall of Respect” mural on Chicago’s South Side with a host of events this weekend. The mural was created in the late 1960s by politically involved black artists — Norman Parish Jr., along with others such as photographer Roy Lewis and artists Wadsworth Jarrell and Jeff Donaldson—to celebrate black achievement. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the building it was displayed on in 1971.
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It is intensely regrettable that this building was lost to a fire. Future generations within (and outside of) this community could have really benefitted from this art as both a work of cultural import and of artistic daring. I appreciate how the artwork itself is presenting trailblazers in a trailblazing manner (as the article discussed the unusual presentation of this mural). This was such a fitting memorial to these black figures.
I am also glad that though the mural was lost, it still remains present in the minds of the Chicago arts community. As the article cited, such focus on a group of empowering black historical figures is rare, which means the mural - though gone - is still very much alive. Its capacity to generate discussion, recollection, and excitement is exceedingly powerful, and I think this pause to remember the significance of the work and those it portrayed will be very valuable to the community at large.
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