Black Lives Matter and They Should Always Matter
Here at Stencil1, we are proud to work within the community to promote human rights activism and civil rights movements. It is black history month! And we think it’s a great opportunity for us to unite and also raise awareness about America’s history. Using only chalk, some of our designers were given the opportunity to draw this power fist. Under the direction of Chalk gyms, we came up with this design, with a quote from American activist and Chicago Black Panther Leader, Fred Allen Hampton, close to the entrance of Chalk Gyms, Brooklyn.
Born in 1948, Fred Allen Hampton was a chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, Illinois. He was tragically murdered by local Chicago police who conspired with the FBI. He was only 21 years of age, and on his way to becoming the next National Black Panther Party leader. His life was senselessy snuffed out in the privacy of his own home, while the police held a press conference covering up their illegal raid. In his youth, he had gained the attention of Don Williams the head of the West Suburban Chapter of the NAACP when he organized groups to boycott in favor of black residents’ rights, in the village of Maywood, Chicago, Illinois. Deciding to protest the local and systemic disparities. Eventually he was recruited to the Black Panther Party’s ranks when Bobby Rush, Black Panther member and U.S. House Representative of Chicago’s 1st District, opened the first chapter of Black Panther’s party’s Chicago office.
Hampton was known for organizing programs for the black community but also extended the services towards Puerto Ricans, and poor white folk. He established a free medical clinic, free breakfast for school children, and even managed to create a peace pact between the most notorious street gangs in Chicago. Hampton was responsible for creating the multi-racial alliance Rainbow Coalition.
Yuli is a team member at Stencil1, she’s blocking in the basic shapes of the letters, for Fred Hampton’s quote.
Using dry hands was crucial in blending the layers of colors.
Under the direction of Chalk gyms, we came up with this design. Kenneth M. is very meticulous, here he is tightening up the shapes and removing imperfections like chalk fingerprints.
Thank you! We hope you learned something today!
– Stencil1 Team
Sources:
NAACP
Chicago Suntimes
WTTW
