The Arbor Drug Free Communities and Ukiah Valley Youth Coalition is partnering with Shane Grammer and The Hope Through Art Foundation to create a mural highlighting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. This mural will honor Khadijah Britton, one of the MMIW sisters who has been missing since February 7, 2018 and member of the Round Valley Indian tribes.
“I am honored to be working with the Ukiah Valley Youth Coalition on such an impactful mural. The youth are dedicated to raising awareness about MMIW, and Khadijah, who has been missing since 2018. These youth are leaders in our community,” shares Amalia Abrojena, Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator.
The mural project will begin Monday, May 24 at 810 N Sate Street with a completion ceremony Thursday, May 27 6-8 p.m. Khadijah Britton’s family and the Ukiah Valley Youth Coalition will host the completion ceremony with feather dancers and native singers as a tribute to Khadijah along with family and tribal members. The community is invited to celebrate with this group adhering to all Covid-19 safety precautions.
The Ukiah Valley Youth Coalition is a youth-led and driven program. These youth have identified several projects they want to see in the community with the Social Justice Mural as the first. The youth are passionate about these topics and feel it’s important to raise awareness in their community. The Arbor Drug Free Communities Coalition is a grant funded program promoting healthy lifestyles, including the reduction of youth substance abuse, by creating community connections and opportunities for youth empowerment.
The Hope Through Art Foundation is a non-profit entity founded by artist, Shane Grammer, and is devoted to broadening public awareness of social issues and educating young artists. A recent project MMIW mural completed in Lake County can be seen on the Hope Through Art Foundation Facebook page.
If you are interested in supporting this mural, they are still seeking donations for food and lodging. Donations can be sent directly to Redwood Community Services, P.O. Box 2077, Ukiah CA 95482 with a note that it is to be credited to the DFC Mural Project. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Amalia Abrojena at abrojenaa@redwoodcommunityservices.org.
Incorporated in 1995, Redwood Community Services provides services to children, youth, families and adults in Mendocino, Lake & Humboldt Counties. Beginning with the implementation of a Foster Family Agency in 1995 providing foster homes for children & youth in Mendocino County; Redwood Community Services has built a continuum of programs including behavioral health, crisis services, youth and adult residential, substance use disorder programs and youth resource centers. For more information about services Redwood Community Services provides please call 707-467-2000 or visit their website at www.redwoodcommunityservices.org.
