Love and Rage

Love & Rage was inspired and envisioned by RYSE members, honoring queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) young people in Richmond, CA.

The initial idea for the mural within RYSE Commons was born through RYSE’s Designing Belonging program, in partnership with California College of the Arts (CCA), CCA professor and architect Shalini Agrawal, and artist and activist Jason Wyman in 2020. RYSE members Emani Mason, Nyree McDaniels, Daylen Foster, Darius McCain, and Marlen Gonzalez partnered with CCA students to envision a mural that embodied the RYSE value of Love & Rage.

Young people articulated a portal that connected their love and rage; they envisioned scenes that demonstrated the injustices that exist in Richmond and are mirrored throughout the world. They also hoped to highlight the intersectionality, power, struggle, and joy of the Richmond community. They defined scenes of celebration and peace, as well as protest, and wanted the mural to create a sense of belonging for each viewer to see themselves represented in the art.

Ideation sessions continued into 2021 in partnership with East Bay Getting to Zero, Nahid Ebrahimi, RYSE’s Alphabet group members, Lulu Fierro and Jason Madison, and local muralist and former RYSE staff, Agana Espinoza (DJ Agana). Over Zoom meetings and jamboards, RYSE members reflected on the original mural ideas and the need to highlight the LGBTQ+ youth culture of Richmond & Contra Costa County, as well as the style, power, and creativity of Black, Indigenous, Youth of Color.

Agana presented mural drafts to the team, who offered feedback and selected the final design. The mural was completed in January 2022 by Agana, with support from artists Vogue, Keena, Kufue, and Shishi, as well as RYSE members and staff. The mural reflects RYSE members’ cultures, communities, and power: honoring those who came before us as well as those who work to create more safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. The mural includes a dedication to those that passed away – founding RYSE member Kenji Jones and Clinical Director Marissa Snoddy. Love & Rage’ was gifted to RYSE by East Bay Getting to Zero.

Source: https://rysecenter.org/rootedandrysing/2/ryse-love-and-rage-mural