Mural Unveiling

This summer, MPDC employed twenty-five local teens to work on a number of community projects, including the production of a vibrant four-panel mural, which was unveiled in Dudley Square on August 22nd . Ten of the youth were part of this summer's mural crew, which was led by local artist Roberto Chao and peer supervisor Asad Hardwick.

 The teens began by researching and visiting other local murals that Chao, his colleagues, and other youth have developed in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plan, and visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art. Using projected photos and images to trace and paint their designs, the teens' mural incorporates faces, symbols, landmarks, and maps that represent Roxbury, Massachusetts, the United States, and the world.

The mural is affixed to a blank wall on Ruggles Street, at the intersection with Washington Street, on the side of a commercial building owned by. This project is a part MPDC’s effort to employ dozens of young people each year to work alongside our staff and our partner agencies to learn the “hard” and “soft” skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. MPDC staff members serve as mentors, challenging them to pursue higher education as the best route to financial independence.