PHX Reporter

28 murals, one for each day of the month, were unveiled in Phoenix throughout February as part of the second annual Black History Month Mural Project.

The project, which started in 2021, is the brainchild of Gizette Knight. In the summer of 2020, Knight wanted to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on 3rd Street, between Jackson Street and Jefferson Street. After being denied permission from the city to paint the mural, Knight decided to start the Project. The murals are meant to cause viewers to think about the accomplishments that those enshrined in the murals achieved, according to 12 News. The muralists also hope to inspire viewers to make an impact on their own community.

The 2022 iteration of the project was kicked off at Footprint Center, where Knight and others connected to the project spoke to a crowd. Then, the first 2022 mural was revealed at the west side of the Footprint Center. Titled "I Am Black History," the mural features famous Valley athletes, rendered in monochrome, as well as two children painted in color, according to 12 News. In the center of the mural are the words "I Am Black History," along with logos for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Knight’s Shining Light Foundation, which organized the project.

"My overall goal for this project has always been to empower my people, but also, to educate all people," Knight said, according to 12 News. "Exposure matters. Exposure to multiculturism should not be dictated by your area code, income, city limits, or willful ignorance.” 

Knight hopes that one day, murals celebrating Black History will show up throughout the Valley. 

“I challenge you today to get out in your communities and know that each and every one of you has a voice and each and every one of you matters,” Sandra Bassett, President of the West Valley Arts Council, said during the kick-off event.

Shining Light's mission is to bring resources to marginalized communities and its projects are intended to bring inclusivity and unity, according to the group's website.

A documentary about last year's mural project was screened at Luna Culture Lab.