PHOTOS: Abernathy Boulevard art spotlights civil rights leaders, voting rights

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PHOTOS: Abernathy Boulevard art spotlights civil rights leaders, voting rights

The murals along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard are mostly intended to represent the local residents, to present role models for youth, to inspire those in need, and to highlight pressing social issues.

At the Peeples Street intersection with Abernathy, Fabian Williams depicts Colin Kaepernick as the martyred Saint Sebastian.

The western wall of the Mall West End features Joseph McKinney’s contribution to Elevate Atlanta 2020. This mural was painted during the frightening pre-vaccine days of the pandemic. It honors the brave first responders who put their own lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe.

Joseph McKinney at work on one of his murals.

Ashley Dopson at work on her "HERstory" mural.

At 884 Abernathy Boulevard, Ashley Dopson’s 150 foot long mural titled HERstory graces the side of the Goodwill building.

On Lee Street, a short walk south from Abernathy Boulevard takes you to street art by Courtney Brooks, which originally included an election reminder. In an Instagram post the artist said that "Believe in your Power" was designed to inspire joy and “soul care” and also to encourage the community to vote in the 2021 Georgia runoff elections.

At the intersection with Inman Street, you'll see Fabian Williams' portrait of Rev. Raphael Warnock’s smiling countenance reminding residents to vote.

Fabian Williams depicts community trailblazers Jay Carter and Oronike Odeleye, founder and director of One Music Fest respectively.

Muralist Fabian Williams created this powerful image of Ahmaud Arbery.

Fabian Williams' portrait of C.T. Vivian is based on a police mug shot following his arrest as a freedom rider for using a whites only restroom in Jackson, Mississippi.

A few steps off Abernathy on Evans Street, Nels Guzman (who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2020) shows Colin Kaepernick gazing heavenward like a saint in a Renaissance painting.

A closer look at Ashley Dopson's "HERstory" mural.

In the West End neighborhood, you'll encounter a colorful mural by Neka King titled "What’s Your Service?" at the Grady Place intersection. Community members chose the content of the mural, which memorializes civil rights leaders Vivian, John Lewis and Joseph E. Lowery, all of whom died in 2020.

A crew at work on Ashley Dopson's "HERstory" mural.

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At the Peeples Street intersection with Abernathy, Fabian Williams depicts Colin Kaepernick as the martyred Saint Sebastian.

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