Martin Luther King Jr. Mural Dedicated on MLK Day Amid Historic Inauguration Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Mural Dedicated on MLK Day Amid Historic Inauguration Day

On January 20, 2025, a striking mural of Martin Luther King Jr. was unveiled and dedicated on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Created by artist Kyle Holbrook, the 60-foot mural, located on a building owned by Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC), features King’s portrait, a soaring dove, and the poignant Bible verse Amos 5:24: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteous like a never-failing stream.”

The dedication, held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, coincided with Donald Trump’s inauguration

October Greetings from Allegheny Arts

Greetings from Allegheny Arts,

I am deeply thankful for Allegheny Center Alliance Church and for the opportunity to bring this mural project to life. I want to express my gratitude to God for guiding us and making this possible, and to Pastor Alan, Pastor Ken, Jen Lawlor ( It was a pleasure co-designing this mural with you!!!), both Cindy’s, Elliott, from security Lacy, Alonzo Seay and everyone at the desk—your support has been amazing every day.

This project is a significant milestone for me right in the center of the Community on ACAC! I am blessed to currently be in NYC as I am the first artist to partner with the New York City Board of Education to create murals in all five boroughs, specifically working with children with special needs. Each school’s entire community—including students, faculty, and teachers—will be part of the creative process, and it’s an honor to facilitate this kind of engagement. This is where my expertise lies, and while challenges like jealousy and small-mindedness may arise to a small minority of people in my hometown, I’m grateful that, through Allegheny Arts, even those who’ve never planned a mural project before are now implementing the ideas God has inspired in me. It’s truly a blessing to see this ripple effect in the community, and I see it as a great compliment when people are inspired to emulate the work I’ve been doing.

Above all, I want to give glory to God for making all of this possible. A special thank you goes to the community and to Kenny G for creating a time-lapse to document the entire process at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. This is the first mural project I’ve done that has inspired me to create a song (see the YouTube), and I am humbled by this journey. Above is the MLK Jr Mural in progress this is the shot that was requested by Warner Bros to be in the new upcoming film series “The Pitt”. Thank you, God, and thank you to everyone involved.

Respectfully,

Kyle

As we close out August 2024 and head into Labor Day weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year for Allegheny Arts.

Allegheny Arts Newsletter - August 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we close out August 2024 and head into Labor Day weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year for Allegheny Arts. This year has marked the beginning of something truly special—our inaugural project in collaboration with Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC). Since the start of the year, we have been diligently planning, meeting with various groups and organizations, and reshaping our mission to focus on creating art that speaks to the heart of our community. Our goal is to produce works that convey positive messages and resonate deeply with the people of Pittsburgh.

Working with ACAC has been an incredible honor. This church is the true heart of the North Side community, and the dedication of its leadership and members is nothing short of inspiring. I am deeply grateful to God for bringing them into my life. Their unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness is beautifully captured in the Martin Luther King Jr. mural we created together. The mural features the powerful words, "Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream." This project stands as a testament to the triumph of good over evil, and I am profoundly thankful to have had the opportunity to paint this message in such a public and lasting way.

This mural, along with another significant piece we will unveil next month, are the two largest murals in North Side history. These works are not just about art; they are about community, collaboration, and the enduring power of righteousness. I believe that when we do good and stay true to our principles, God provides the provisions we need and ensures that goodness prevails.

For those interested in joining Allegheny Arts, we are always looking for passionate individuals who want to create beautiful, meaningful works of art with the community—whether it be with young people, seniors, or anyone else who shares our vision. This is not about financial gain; it’s about making our community a better place, right here in my hometown of Pittsburgh.

This summer has been particularly busy and rewarding for me. I had the immense privilege of being selected as the artist to represent America in Paris for the Olympics, where I completed four murals, street art, a sculpture, lighting art, and several other projects throughout the city. It was an incredible experience, and I am thrilled to bring that energy and inspiration back home.

As we look forward to the end of September, I am excited to invite you all to the celebration of ACAC’s 130th anniversary, where we will unveil the two largest murals in North Side history. This event will be a celebration not only of the church’s rich history but also of the power of art to bring people together and inspire positive change.

Thank you all for your continued support and dedication. I am honored to be part of this community and look forward to what we will create together in the coming months.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Kyle Holbrook
Executive Artist

Allegheny Arts

Allegheny Arts Newsletter - April

ALLEGHENY ARTS

ALLEGHENY Arts Community Update: Welcoming Paradise Gray and Major Progress

Greetings ALLEGHENY Arts Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. It's time for an update on our recent activities and developments within our beloved community. As previously mentioned, we've undergone some restructuring, including the formation of a new board comprising community members and representatives from various organizations.

In this edition, I'm thrilled to highlight one of our newest members, Paradise Gray. Paradise, a long-time friend and collaborator of mine, has been an integral part of the Northside community for over two decades. His contributions to the arts, both locally and globally, are truly remarkable.

Paradise Gray is a hip-hop pioneer, a treasure in our community, owner & lead curator of Hip-Pop Labs at 433 East Ohio Street, a part of American and hip-hop history. His recent endeavors include stepping into the national spotlight with a new television show and serving as the chief curator of The Hip-Hop Museum. Paradise has always been an advocate for using art as a tool for social change, crime reduction, and community empowerment. His experience in these areas, particularly during his time with the Black Watch in New York City in the 1980s and 90s, brings invaluable insight to our endeavors here in ALLEGHENY. Paradise has used art to benefit communities and reduce crime and drug activity through positive projects and outreach in his illustrious career.

Moreover, Paradise's commitment to the Northside community as a long-time resident and his past successes in utilizing art for community benefit make him an inspiring figure for both established and emerging artists alike. His expertise will undoubtedly enrich our future events and initiatives, including our upcoming street art festival.

In other news, I'm excited to share that significant progress has been made in our efforts around the 16th St. bridge area. Through diligent collaboration with organizations and property owners, we are on the verge of signing agreements that will mark a significant milestone in our journey. This progress sets the stage for future projects and events that will positively impact our community for years to come.

Additionally, I want to emphasize the importance of not rushing our projects, particularly the ten-year initiative slated to commence next school year. We are committed to thorough planning and community involvement every step of the way to ensure its success.

As always, I invite feedback and ideas from all members of our community. Your input is invaluable as we continue to move forward. Let's work together to make ALLEGHENY Arts an even greater force for positive change.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication.

Respectfully,

Executive Artist

ALLEGHENY Arts

Kyle Holbrook

MLKmural.com/allegheny-arts

ALLEGHENY ARTS NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2024

ALLEGHENY ARTS

ALLEGHENY Arts Community Newsletter - March 2024

Hello ALLEGHENY Arts Community,

I trust this newsletter finds you all in good spirits and health. Happy Women’s History Month, I look forward to together creating visual tributes in the future to some of the amazing women in our history like Pauline Wormser Frank, Rachel Carson, Phoebe Brashear, Marie Lou Williams and recently like Mrs. Arnold (My mothers long time friend whom I did murals in her school).

It is with great enthusiasm that I provide you with an update on the current status of Allegheny Arts project:

Since August 2023, I have had the privilege of spearheading ALLEGHENY Arts as the Executive Artist, alongside a dedicated team of individuals from MLK Mural who have been instrumental in shaping the vision of this project. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, including the creation of proposals, development of the logo and website, budget, timelines, process, ideas, establishment of partnerships with community groups and organizations, and the crafting of an implementation plan.

It's essential to clarify that all aspects of ALLEGHENY Arts, from its inception to its execution, have been driven by my expertise and the collaborative efforts of my team. As someone with extensive experience in executing large-scale projects globally, I have poured my heart and soul into this endeavor, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to the community.

I am proud to announce that we have secured the support of the largest company in our region for a multi-year commitment, as well as the enthusiastic participation of several youth organizations. These partnerships underscore the potential impact and value that ALLEGHENY Arts holds for our community.

Furthermore, I want to reiterate that ALLEGHENY Arts, including its name and core ideas, is my intellectual property. As such, any involvement in the project without my direct oversight is a violation of intellectual property laws and will be subject to legal consequences. My intention in safeguarding the project's integrity is to ensure that it remains a community-driven initiative, free from any ulterior motives or commercial interests. Even under a new name the idea(s) remain my exclusive intellectual property.

Regrettably, recent developments have necessitated the reconstruction of our advisory board. Aside from Allie (see letter link below), the individuals who comprised the initial board were exemplary in their dedication, the circumstances surrounding its formation have led us to reevaluate our approach. I want to express my gratitude to each member for their contributions and assure them that this decision is not a reflection of their commitment or character.

As we chart a new course forward, I am excited about the opportunity to engage with the community in a more inclusive and transparent manner. ALLEGHENY Arts is not merely a project; it is a collective endeavor aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of our city and empowering its residents.

I am inviting those who share our vision for ALLEGHENY Arts to join us in this journey by participating in the formation of our new advisory board. Together, we can harness the creative potential of our community and bring ALLEGHENY Arts to life in a way that benefits us all.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this project. I look forward to the exciting chapters that lie ahead for ALLEGHENY Arts and our community as a whole.

Respectfully,

Kyle Holbrook

Executive Artist, ALLEGHENY Arts

ALLEGHENY ARTS - NEWSLETTER - February 2024

ALLEGHENY ARTS - NEWSLETTER - February 2024 -

Dear Allegheny Arts Community,

As we move forward into the second installment of our annual newsletter, we are thrilled to share exciting updates with you. ALLEGHENY Arts is currently in the planning stages, establishing vital relationships throughout the community for future collaborations. We have been actively attending community meetings, gathering feedback, and refining our vision for artistic programming and events.

We did one mural to celebrate Black History Month and raise funds for the Urban League of Pittsburgh on the NorthSide at Rivers Casino on February 16th.

In the coming weeks, we will be announcing the formation of an 11-member steering committee, representing the diversity and richness of our community. This committee will play a pivotal role in guiding our initiatives forward, ensuring that our programming remains inclusive and representative of our shared values.

We are delighted to spotlight Jermaine Cuyler, a valued member of our advisory board, in this newsletter. Jermaine's contributions to the community embody the spirit of ALLEGHENY Arts, and we are grateful for his dedication and passion.

At ALLEGHENY Arts, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to working with organizations and individuals to enhance our community aesthetically and artistically. Our upcoming Street Art Festival in September promises to be a highlight of our programming, showcasing the vibrancy and creativity of our city.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that youth programming will commence next school year, with a target start date in September. We are already in the planning stages for this initiative and look forward to engaging with schools and afterschool programs in our community.

Lastly, we will be sharing preliminary landscape designs and aerial views of the possible arrangement of the Mural Museum near the 16th St. bridge area in the coming months. These developments represent just a glimpse of the exciting future ahead for ALLEGHENY Arts.

As always, your input and suggestions are invaluable to us and always open here: Together, we can continue to build a more vibrant and prosperous community through the power of art.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Respectfully,

Kyle Holbrook

Executive Artist

ALLEGHENY Arts

Jermaine Cuyler - ALLEGHENY ARTS - Advisory Board

Jermaine Cuyler hails from Rochester, NY, where he was born and raised before embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him to Pittsburgh. His path began when he enrolled at Robert Morris University, where he not only pursued a degree in Business Marketing but also excelled as a football player. Following his college years, Jermaine ventured into the realm of sales, initially starting his career in Washington, DC. However, his heart was set on returning to Pittsburgh, a city he now proudly calls home since 2004. With a passion for sales and a desire to make a difference, Jermaine found fulfillment in the field of oncology, dedicating the past 16 years of his career to this noble cause. Presently serving as the Director of Sales at RefleXion, a leading manufacturer of Radiation Therapy equipment used in cancer treatment, Jermaine continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jermaine is deeply committed to serving his community. Drawing inspiration from his parents, who instilled in him the value of service from a young age, Jermaine actively contributes to various causes. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S), where he channels his passion for making a positive difference. Additionally, Jermaine has been a resident of Deutschtown since 2009, where he has also invested in real estate, fostering his interest in community, commerce, and architecture. His involvement in the neighborhood extends further as he serves on the advisory board of Allegheny Arts, aiming to enhance the presence of art in the northside. With a vision to illuminate the essence of Deutschtown through artistic endeavors, Jermaine is dedicated to leveraging the transformative power of the arts to enrich and enliven his beloved community.

National Nurse Month Mural

4 views May 4, 2023 #BANUSCRUBS

National Nurses Month Mural #BANUSCRUBS To show gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to patient care What: A 20’ x 87’ Mural to honor Nurses in Hospital District. When: Wednesday, May 3rd at 11am. Were: 1355 NW 21st St, Miami, FL 33142 Why: May is National Nurses Month. It is an opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to patient care. National Nurses Month is an annual celebration that honors nurses and the vital role they play in healthcare. This year, it will be observed from May 1 to May 31, 2023. To pay tribute to frontline staff and healthcare workers during the third anniversary of COVID-19 pandemic. The Mural is painted on Blue Angel Nurses Uniforms and seen daily by hundreds of healthcare workers, the mural shows appreciation for them all. The Artist Lost two mentors, Bob Tortorette and Artist George Gist to Covid-19 and wanted to show his appreciation for healthcare workers and their commitment to the community. Artist Kyle Holbrook has done murals in 43 countries and 49 states often with the mentally or physically disabled and partnering with healthcare professionals. Dr. Susan O’rourke and Dr. Mary Burke have partnered with the artist in Uganda, Nicaraugua, Ireland and Israel on murals, his respect for Healthcare workers is shown by painting angel wings on them in the mural. Kyle has painted several murals in Haiti at The Hopital Albert Schweiter in Deschapelles recieving a grant from the United National in 2011 post earthquake. Holbrook’s daughter will be starting medical school in the fall, this mural is in part a tribute to her and the important work she will be doing. Thursday marks the three year Anniversary of the Tiger King wearing a mask surrounded by Health care workers as a tribute to frontline workers. The Mural is close to Miami Dade college Medical campus and seen by many aspiring Healthcare workers, the mural is intended to instill pride in their future career goals. How: Artist Kyle Holbrook is painting the mural with brushes and acrylic paints live (in progress). Nurses of different races, ages and genders are depicted as angels on the mural. Free Nurses Lab Coats will be given away all day with a 10% discount to anyone who tags themselves in front of the mural with hashtag #banuscrubs. Who: Blue Angel Nurses Uniforms and Banu Scrubs sponsored the mural painted by local Miami and Internationally recognized Artist Kyle Holbrook and Moving Lives of Kids Arts Center MLKmural.com, Julia Cahill painting the Nurse with her eyes closed inspired by a nurse that was walking into Blue Angels. She also did much the concrete restoration. “Let us take a moment to honor and thank all the angels on earth who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do, and we can never repay the kindness and compassion they show to us each and every day. For all of these reasons we are going to give out a free lab coat to all the medical professionals who come by our location to celebrate them and the unveiling of our new mural dedicated to the Medical professionals in our community. Come by on May 3, 2023 to receive your free lab coat. Remember nurses are our angels in This world” -Blue Angel Nurses Uniforms

PGH ART PARK at Salems Event #2

Artist Ebtehal Badawi and Dana Morris at PGH ART PARK at Salems Market and Grill 8/21/22

Urban Collaborative Baltimore

Miami Grand prix formula One Kyle Holbrook Mural

The Miami Grand Prix is a Formula One Grand Prix which forms part of the 2022 Formula One World Championship, with the event taking place at the Miami International Autodrome on a ten-year contract.