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Defining Change-Makers

Inspired by the Public Art Initiative Project The Freedom Wall, 2017

The Freedom Wall, 2017—by John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Chuck Tingley, and Edreys Wajed—on the corner of Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street. Photograph by MK Photo.

Lesson Plan Details

Grade Level: Grades 4–5

Keywords: Community, poetry, graphic design

Conceptual Basis

This lesson is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about leaders in both their own community and throughout the United States. Artists often create works that make a positive impact on the community, but they can also be important in recording and honoring the stories of community leaders. Students will use The Freedom Wall—a community mural that depicts local and national leaders in the civil and social rights movements—as inspiration for designing a digital poster.

Public Art Initiative Sponsors

The Public Art Initiative was established and is supported by leadership funding from the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.

Project Sponsors

Public Art Initiative mural projects are generously underwritten by the New Era Cap Foundation. Additional support for this mural has been provided by Hyatt’s Graphic Supply Company.

Program Sponsors

This program has been made possible through the generosity of KeyBank in partnership with First Niagara Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Jeff and Karin Meyer, Marion and Philip Henderson, and Maria Scrivani and John Lipsitz.