Mayor Wu Announces Three New Murals On Malcolm X Park Basketball Courts

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture today announced the completion of three new murals by local, national, and international artists transforming the basketball courts at Malcolm X Park, one of Boston’s oldest parks, into dynamic spaces of community, culture, and sport.

There will be a community celebration of the new murals hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Department of Parks and Recreation featuring music, food, and family friendly activities on the courts on October 19, 2024, from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. 

“Public art builds community around our city’s history, culture, and connections,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The addition of these murals to the beloved Malcolm X Park in Roxbury serves as a reminder of how important it is to have art in all spaces and neighborhoods in our City. Community gathering spaces like Malcolm X Park encourage multi-generational connection, bring enjoyment for residents, and call to mind the ways in which our history was shaped by leaders of the past. I’m grateful for the many creative minds who worked to bring this project to life.” 

These three long-term basketball court murals are part of a larger $9.6 million renovation of Malcolm X Park ($8.8 million for construction and $690,000 for design), which included new children’s play equipment, improved lighting and accessibility, renovated courts, and expanded community spaces. Earlier this year, an additional mural honoring the Roxbury community and the Legacy of Malcolm X, “A Legacy of Color,” was completed on the adjacent wall of the BCYF Shelburne Community Center by local artists Geo ‘GoFive’ Ortega and Luis ‘Take One’ Taforo.

The recently renovated park and its murals derive their name from the historic house at 72 Dale Street, the former home of civil rights activist Ella Little-Collins, who was active in founding a mosque and setting up its day-care center. Her younger brother, Malcolm X, the influential leader of the civil rights movement and the Nation of Islam, also lived there during his teenage years and returned at various times later in life.

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture worked with mural consultant Street Theory to bring these murals to the park through the Percent for Art program which sets aside one percent of the City’s annual capital borrowing budget for the commissioning of public art. 

“Integrating art into public spaces like Malcolm X Park underscores the vital role creativity plays in our everyday lives,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture. “We hope these incredible new murals that honor the Roxbury community and the legacy of Malcolm X will spark joy and conversation for the basketball players, fans, and community members that visit the park.”

The City received 44 proposals from artists around the world and three lead artists—Rob ‘Problak’ Gibbs, Sydney G. James, and Otra Ciudad—were ultimately selected after a rigorous review by a working group of community members composed of Roxbury-based artists, activists, residents, Malcolm X’s family members, and frequent park users. The lead artists were chosen based on their extensive experience with public art, technical expertise, sensitivity to the legacy of Malcolm X theme and connection to the Malcolm X Park in Roxbury, and their willingness and experience to incorporate community feedback into their designs. 

The three teams of artists worked collaboratively to ensure that the designs across the courts were consistent and complement each other, creating a cohesive and synergistic visual experience for players and spectators.

“We’re thrilled to unveil these new court murals as part of a transformative investment in Malcolm X Park,” said Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Thank you to our partners and these visionary artists for making this park a space where the community can gather, connect, and honor the legacy of Malcolm X in a truly unique way.” 

Court 1: Give Them Their Flowers

Artists: Rob 'ProBlak' Gibbs with Lee ‘Soems’ Beard, Ricardo ‘DEME5’ Gomez, Michael Talbot, Ayana Mack, and Luis Urena

Give Them Their Flowers is the creative vision of Roxbury-native Rob ‘ProBlak’ Gibbs and his team of Boston artists hailing from Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester. With a prominent “X” running across the court, a reference to both Malcolm X and Gibbs’ beloved neighborhood, the mural is a celebration of the city and the people he loves and honors. “Giving someone their flowers” is an act of paying respect to someone, highlighting and acknowledging an individual's contributions, achievements, struggles, and successes that might not be well known.

“A strong, dedicated team can help you achieve the dream,” reflected Rob ‘ProBlak’ Gibbs.  “This isn’t the work of just one person; this piece reflects who we are, who cares, and how we were raised. Together, we’ve created something lasting—a heartfelt testament to our Love and commitment to a place we call home. We were raised to care deeply about our community, and we’re not just building something functional; we’re building something purposeful. Something that speaks to the heart of this area, something for the youth to inherit. This is Roxbury Love, Breathing Life into this destination for years to come.”

Court 2: Anything Under The Suns

Artists: Sydney G. James (Detroit, MI) with Gina ‘FlowrBomb’ Latham (Roxbury, MA), Ijania Cortez (Detroit), Nadd Harvin/Nadd the Nomad, (Richmond, VA), Sagie Vangelina (Roxbury, MA), Sharinna ‘Rinna’ Travieso (Worcester, MA) 

Inspired by Malcolm X’s powerful words, “When a person places the proper value on freedom, there is nothing under the sun that he will not do to acquire that freedom”, artist Sydney G. James led an all-female team to create a striking mural that celebrates the deep connection between Detroit and Roxbury while honoring Malcolm X’s vital teachings on the importance of freedom. City parks and basketball courts serve as symbols of unrestrained freedom, and in this mural, figures burst forth from the court, reaching for the stars.

“It was truly a privilege and honor leading the super talented group of young women artists to create "Anything Under the Suns…," said lead artist Sydney G. James. “The piece was designed to reflect all of our individual artistic styles which resulted in a harmonic composition and harmonic and diligent working environment. It was everyone on our Team's first time painting on a basketball court. The image we created, the beautiful Roxbury community, and the words that inspired it gave us the proper motivation to do the work beautifully and efficiently.”

Court 3: X-Legacy

Artists: Otra Ciudad and Nómada Estudio Urbano. Nicolas Orellana (Boston, MA), Sebastian Cuevas (Santiago, Chile), Miguel Mendoza (Ciudad Juárez, Mexico)

X-Legacy is a collaboration between a Boston-based team and international partner who created a hybrid collage between the legacy of Malcolm X and the resilience and transformative power of the community in Roxbury. Through patterns, geometries, iconography, and a vibrant color palette, the aim of X-Legacy is to create a new urban narrative that promotes the empowerment of the residents. Additionally, the graphics on the court adapt to the lines of the game, ensuring that the artwork does not become intrusive during a basketball game.

"Participating in the Malcolm X Park project has been an incredible honor, especially alongside such talented teams,” said Nicolas Orellana of Otra Ciudad. “As a Hispanic group, being able to give back to Boston, and especially to a neighborhood like Roxbury—so rich in culture, history, and resilience—has been deeply rewarding. The community’s warmth and gratitude reminds us why public art work matters. Locals have welcomed us, and their support means the world. We hope this vibrant artwork will inspire even more people to enjoy and celebrate this meaningful space.