Commemorating a King
By Philomena Jones © 2011
Based on Dr. Martin Luther King’s Great Chain of Humanity speech, J.L. Long Middle School students in the Thriving Minds program created a 50-inch-by-80-inch mixed-media, monochromatic piece portraying and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.
Under the artistic direction of Thriving Minds Community Site Manager Jennifer Kindert, students explored King’s principles and philosophies against the backdrop of contemporary life and culture.
J.L. Long art student Donald Fullen created the original pencil illustration used as the basis for the piece. In addition, TAG and AVID classes, the Industrial Technology department, and students from Woodrow Wilson High School contributed to the work.
The DNA helix integrates images of key events, human figures, and prominent African-Americans, and represents for the students the “Chain of Humanity.” The artwork also contains embedded quotations selected by students that communicate King’s message of peace.
The work went on display Jan. 117 at the House of Blues during the third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Thanks to J.L. Long parent Becky Pederson and to Jennifer Kindert.
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