Editor’s note: Scott Nurkin of The Mural Shop is in Mt. Gilead to complete three murals downtown – one on the side of Shiloh Holiness Church, another on the side of the Vintage, and a third on the public works building – plus restore the Indian Mound mural. Yet another mural will be painted on metal and attached to the Sew Happy Boutique building, but Nurkin’s not doing that one. We asked him to explain his inspiration for the Chambers mural, and here’s what he said:
The inspiration for the design of Julius Chambers mural was fairly simple. As he was an immensely influential lawyer and popular figure in and around Mount Gilead (and nationwide), I wanted to portray him as larger-than-life using a popular photo I believe was featured on his biography. The backdrop is meant to resemble a quilt using African-inspired patterning and colors. Historically, quilts are meant to tell stories passed down through generations. They are woven together by hand over time, often with multiple people contributing. I felt that a patchwork quilt was symbolic of Mr. Chamber’s tireless fight for civil rights and justice in the American school systems, the NAACP and for the people in his community who he felt deserved a voice. Through his influence, he changed the story for many in the African American community and was largely responsible for weaving together a positive and lasting fabric in our social justice system.