NYPD 83rd precinct Mural by Artist Kyle Holbrook

Kyle Holbrook painted mural with the NYC Police Athletic League at events throughout New York City the summer of 2016-19. "one New York" is the projects that unites youth, teens, nypd and community members to create aesthetic lasting reminders of the beauty we can all make together.

NYPD, Youth, PAL staff, community member young and old were able to create murals that will permanently be displayed at community centers, ARMORIES and after school programs through out NYC. The murals show the beauty that can happen when the community works together.

Global issue:

Gun Violence and specifically how it effects those in low-income areas by Than Smart

The song XXX, featuring U2, brings up issues such as moral ambiguity, violence in low

income areas, and the criminal justice system, XXX is highlighted by powerful lyrics that

not only paint a picture of the harsh environment Lamar grew up in but it also critiques

American Politics. One of the main themes present in this song is Lamar’s analysis of

negative aspects of the African-American community. XXX has vivid imagery describing

the effects of gun voilence on the black community in Compton.

●In the extract I chose, Kendrick talks about getting a call from that his friends son

had been killed. The father wants Kendrick to provide him closure through God, but

follows that up wanting revenge. I chose this particular part of the song because I feel

that it illustratse the effects that gun voilence has and how living in a low income area

can contribute to the “gun violence cultue” of sorts.

●Collection of murals painted by Kyle Holbrook, lost 45 friends to gun voilence, In 2002,

Holbrook founded the Moving the Lives of Kids Community Mural Project (MLK Mural)

which is a public arts organization which engages people in beautification of their

communities. specific - Holbrooks “Brooklyn Peace”. Brooklyn - increase in voilent

crime since 2018.

●Both Lamar’s XXX and Holbrooks Brooklyn Peace highlight the problems surrounding

and caused by gun violence both of these sources from low income areas where the

murder and violent crime rates are much higher than the nations average. The question

that frames my exploration is how does living in a low-income area affect experiences

with gun violence?

Global issue:

Gun Violence and specifically how it effects those in low-income areas

Texts chosen

Literary work: XXX by Kendrick Lamar featuring U2

Non-literary body of work: Brooklyn mural by Kyle Holbrook

●My claim for my litereary source is how low-income areas can create a gun voilence

culture. My first piece of evidence from XXX is on lines 12 and 13---Because of a lack of

an adequate criminal justice system many of the crimes that happen in these areas go

unaswered by officials leading to a form of “street justice” that Kendrick illustrates in

this quote GIVE EXAMPLE. (Prosecuters/ Judges)

●My second piece of evidence are lines 16-19 Kendrick describes “street justice” the

culture of gun violence causes people to be reckless to the point that they will disregard

laws to murder wihtout remorse in order to avenge the death of loved ones. Mic drop

symbolism- gun on victims lap (the job is definitively done) ,the line 17 religious

hypocracy. 19 - (no respect for the law)

●My third piece of evidence is line 20. In this line, Lamar acknowledges the hypocrisy of

the the gun voilence and street justice culture to that of black pride or black lives matter

which are things he also oppenly supports. From the POV of someone whose child has

been killed by another black man protecting ones family transcends the race solidarity.

●Connected hands - community, lack of color shows sadness, angel crying- not able to

save girl, butterfly - a common symbol for the triumph of the spirit and the soul over the

physical body which in this mural depicts that even though the girl was killed her soul

and spirit will live on. Orange line surrounding hand - only the end of gun violence will

allow for peace, Orange line ending at top - movement successful.

●Gun violence in low income areas along with death contributes to a high incarceration rate

taking people away from there communities and families. Living in an area where gun

voilence is an issue can cause psychological damage. Gun violence also breeds more gun

violence. It also damages the economic wellbeing of those areas.

●Being born in Compton, Kendrick is able to provide a first hand point of view to the effects

of gun violence, and through his verses on XXX and the rest of his songs, vividly describe

the scenes of gun voilence througout his upbringing. Holbrook has explored this issue by

getting the community involved through his organization and spreading his message

through his art.

MARIA HERNANDEZ TRIBUTE MURAL