our story.

our mural.

our third ward.

The Grand Rapids, MI Third Ward has always been built by its people,

and this mural should be, too.

Get Involved

What is the third Ward mural project?

The Third Ward Mural Project is a community-led effort to create a public mural that celebrates the history, culture, and legacy of Grand Rapids' Third Ward.

This isn't just about painting a wall; it's about honoring the people who came before us, celebrating the stories that define our neighborhood, and creating something future generations will be proud to call their own.

Every step of this project is guided by community. From choosing the historical figure and selecting the artist to shaping the mural's design, Third Ward residents and community partners are helping bring this vision to life.

Whether you've lived in the Third Ward your whole life, recently moved here, work in the neighborhood, or simply care about its future, there's a place for you in this story.

Creating a community mural takes time, collaboration, and lots of community voices. Here's what you can expect over the coming months.

Learn Our History

Working with GRAAMA, we'll research and share the stories of historical figures connected to the Third Ward. A Community Selection Committee will review this research before recommending the individuals who will move forward for public voting.

Vote

Third Ward residents will shape the project by voting for:

  • The historical figure to be honored

  • The location of the mural

  • The final mural concept created by the artist finalists

Every vote helps tell our community's story.

Every voice adds a brushstroke.

Select the Artist

Artists from across the region will submit qualifications to paint the mural. The Community Selection Committee will review submissions, select the top three finalists, and invite them to create original mural concepts inspired by the selected historical figure and mural site.

Create the Mural

Once the final design is selected, the artist will begin transforming the wall into a vibrant public artwork that celebrates the Third Ward's history and legacy.

Celebrate Together

When the mural is complete, we'll gather as a community for a public unveiling to celebrate the artist, honor the historical figure, and recognize everyone who helped make this project possible.

Whats happening, & When

    • Website launches

    • Community Selection Committee formed

    • Artist RFQ opens

    • Community pop-up events begin

    • GRAAMA shares historical research

    • Community Selection Committee meets

    • Public voting for the historical figure

    • Community listening session

    • Artist finalists selected

    • Finalists develop mural concepts

    • Public voting on the final mural concept

    • Wall preparation and mural installation

    • Community mural unveiling and celebration

Third Ward, Have Your Say! 🎨

Help choose what the mural looks like and where it goes!

Check out the artist designs and potential locations, then rate your favorites from 1 to 5 stars.

cast your vote

Meet the historical figures

  • Breonna Taylor

    1ST PLACE

    Breonna Taylor was a Grand Rapids-born emergency medical worker whose death in 2020 sparked calls for racial justice across the country. Her story continues to inspire conversations about justice, remembrance, and the importance of Black women's lives.

  • Grand Rapids Study Club

    2ND PLACE

    Founded in the early 1900s, the Grand Rapids Study Club brought Black women together for education, leadership, and community service. Its members helped create opportunities and strengthen the Black community for generation

  • Hattie Beverly Robinson

    3RD PLACE

    In 1899, Hattie Beverly Robinson became the first Black teacher hired by Grand Rapids Public Schools. She broke barriers in education and opened doors for future generations of Black educators.

  • Paul I. Phillips

    4TH PLACE

    A civil rights leader, historian, and educator, Paul I. Phillips worked to expand opportunities for Black residents in Grand Rapids. He became the first African American elected to public office in the city.

  • Milo M. Brown

    5TH PLACE

    Milo M. Brown was a pioneering Black entrepreneur who established Brown Funeral Home in 1926. He also helped strengthen Black political participation, business ownership, and community leadership in Grand Rapids.

  • Lettie Ann & Cleo Cross

    6TH PLACE

    In 1966, student Cleo Cross and his mother, Lettie Ann Cross, challenged a school grooming rule at South High School. Their stand sparked a student walkout and became an important story of youth activism and civil rights in Grand Rapids.

  • Joseph "Joe" & Emma Warren Ford

    7TH PLACE

    Joe and Emma Ford were influential Black community leaders in early Grand Rapids. Through business, civic involvement, and advocacy for civil and women's rights, they helped build opportunities for the Black community.

Meet the artists

Edwin Anderson is a Grand Rapids-based multidisciplinary artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur whose work blends visual storytelling, culture, and community. With a background in graphic design, branding, and public art, Edwin creates work that connects people to the places, stories, and experiences that shape their communities. His artistic practice spans large-scale murals, painting, illustration, and visual identity, with a particular focus on creating engaging public spaces and culturally meaningful experiences.

Beyond his studio practice, Edwin is deeply committed to community engagement and using art as a tool for connection, wellness, and positive change. Through his creative work and involvement in community-driven initiatives, he has helped create opportunities for artists, small businesses, youth, and local residents to come together. His approach is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and the belief that art can help build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Edwin Anderson

Esan Sommersell

Esan Sommersell is a multidisciplinary artist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with Guyanese roots. His practice spans painting, public murals, sculptural relief, photography, film, and music. Drawing from personal experience, family, and Black identity, he explores resilience, vulnerability, and the emotional dimensions of human connection. His work moves between abstraction and figurative storytelling, taking shape in both intimate studio pieces and large-scale public art. His sculptural relief Emergence, inspired by his mother’s perseverance, received the GRAAAMF Community Award at ArtPrize 2025. Alongside his independent practice, Sommersell has contributed to community arts initiatives in Grand Rapids for more than a decade. Across mediums, he brings personal reflection into shared spaces, creating opportunities for people to recognize themselves and their experiences in art.

Jamari Taylor

Jamari Taylor is a Grand Rapids-based artist, muralist, educator, and founder of Jaylei Art. Jamari creates artwork rooted in portraiture, nature, and storytelling. Her work explores character, strength, and inner peace while using beauty as a way to uplift and educate others. Through Jaylei Art, Jamari has developed murals and community-centered art experiences throughout West Michigan, working with youth, families, and community organizations. Some of her public artwork includes the historic Beverly Sisters mural downtown Grand Rapids, KZOO Station, and many more community projects within the Grand Rapids community. Jamari believes public art can do more than beautify a space. It can preserve history, create connection, inspire communities, and leave a meaningful mark for generations to come.

The Third Ward Mural Project is a collaborative effort made possible through the partnership of the Third Ward community, the City of Grand Rapids, MI, GRAAMA, & Khamai Strategies.

Meet the Team

The Community

Most importantly, this project belongs to the community. Third Ward residents, neighborhood organizations, local leaders, businesses, and community partners are helping select the historical figure, choose the artist, and shape the mural's final design. Every voice helps tell the story.

City of Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids is proud to support this community-driven public art initiative, investing in projects that celebrate local history, strengthen neighborhoods, and create welcoming public spaces for everyone.

GRAAMA

The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA) is providing historical expertise, cultural insight, and guidance throughout the project. They help ensure the stories, people, and legacy of the Third Ward are honored with authenticity and care.

Khamai Strategies

Khamai Strategies is leading project management and community engagement for the Third Ward Mural Project. From coordinating community conversations and managing the artist selection process to keeping residents informed every step of the way, Khamai is helping ensure this project reflects the voices and values of the Third Ward.

Community Selection Committee

  • Brandi Allaway

    11 Year Resident

    Fun Fact: Runs a nonprofit that provides personalized birthday cakes to children and young adults in foster care.

  • Ellen Atkins

    King Park Neighbors President

    Fun Fact: Loves to travel

  • Gregory Foster III

    9 Year Resident

    Fun Fact: At one time was considered one of Grand Rapids’ most eligible bachelors.

  • LeMarr Jackson

    34 Year Resident

    Fun Fact: The closest thing to a movie critic you'll meet without the credentials. Averages watching more than 200 movies a year.

  • Shayna Haynes Heard

    Third Generation Resident

    Fun Fact: Is a writer

  • Stephanie Suero

    16 Year Resident

    Fun Fact: Bronx-born, Dominican-raised community girl who loves roosters

  • Regenail Thomas

    4 Year Resident

    Fun Fact: Is a skater

Follow the Journey

Follow the Journey

Have a question, idea, or story to share? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in the project, want to get involved, or have a memory about the Third Ward, send us a message.