There are 8 million stories in the naked city – that’s what we’ve heard. Street Artist Specter has recently brought back to memory one that many would like to forget, frankly, because it speaks to the undercurrent of racism that persists in our country, the burning embers of ignorance whose flames can be easily stoked given the right circumstances.
Specter “Yusuf Hawkins” (photo © Jaime Rojo)
22 years after the racially motivated mob murder of a teenager in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a decaying memorial to Yusuf Hawkins still remains in another Brooklyn neighborhood called Bedford-Stuyvesant. The crime that caused the city to reel in pain was compounded by the fact that the cancer was appearing in such young fresh faced people; Yusef was 16, his assailants only slightly older. As the circumstances of his death revealed the level of polarization in the city, it sparked more unrest, violence, and marches in the streets.
A generation later, the memorial has withstood time, the natural elements, neglect and vandalism. Meanwhile our progress toward an equitable society is still very much in question.
To honor Yusuf, Specter installed a 14 by 14 foot hand-painted portrait adorned with flowers. The placement maintains former additions by other artists and much of the original wall painted by Brooklyn master-muralist, Floyd Sapp. As happens with many memorial walls, Yusuf’s mural was blanketed with scrawled messages to him and other fallen community members. In this latest piece by Specter, the Street Artist continues that tradition by adding to the historic wall now revitalized by the memory of a young man whose life was cut short.
Specter “Yusuf Hawkins” (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Specter “Yusuf Hawkins” (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
It's been weeks since we had an "Images of the Week" posting with you, due to the end of the year spectacular we presented for 13 days; a solid cross section of the talented photographers who a...
Welcome to BSA Images of the Week. Happy Hannukah to all our Jewish friends this week as the festival of lights began on Thursday night. “Chag Sameach!” Meanwhile, the Christmas jam is in f...
Welcome to BSA Images of the Week! Today is PRIDE DAY in NYC and Father's Day in many parts of the world. Congratulations to us all, queer and/or fathers. We're happy to show you what we've been ...
Trump thought he could lift his poll numbers or legitimacy or at least his personal wealth by taking a world tour this week where he sold $100 billion in arms to Saudia Arabia, scored $100 milli...
After visiting the prison Kilmainham Gaol the second most popular place for visitors in Dublin is probably Trinity College. That’s where the latest installment of ‘Our Nations Sons’ is laying as it wa...