Alum Lorenzo Young Honored with Mural in Washington Park

A group of people stand in front of a mural. At the top of the mural is a banner that reads "Wall of Therapy," and underneath this banner is an painting of Lorenzo Young wearing a black hat and sunglasses. Words are written vertically around the banner and Young.

Washington Park mural dedicated to Lorenzo Young. Image courtesy of Block Club Chicago.

Washington Park mural dedicated to Lorenzo Young. Image courtesy of Block Club Chicago.

After passing away in December 2020 from cancer, Bronzeville artist and educator Lorenzo Young (BFA 1975) now has a mural dedicated to his storytelling legacy. Friends and family of Young gathered on September 16 for a dedication ceremony in the Burke Elementary Community Garden, which included performances from local artists and elementary school students that the artist mentored. Created by artist Amoz Wright, the mural features Young’s likeness in front of a banner that reads “Wall of Therapy.” In his community, Young was known for vivid neighborhood stories, bringing the past to life using his “rich baritone voice and [...] making [people] laugh.”

“Today is nothing more than the fruits of his labor. All of these fruits are here shining bright,” Laverne Young, the artist's daughter, tells Block Club Chicago. “So many people have so many good things to say about him. Even with him passing on, they’re still here to commemorate him, and that means so much.”

{{[http://www.saic.edu/news/alums]ALUMS}}

TopBuilt with Shorthand