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Change is inevitable, but the loss of culture is not and Metro by T-Mobile wants to provide its stores as points of expression to recognize and commemorate communities across the country, starting with Tulsa.
Published 11/22/2020 | Reading Time 4 min 4 sec
By BWSTimes Staff
Photos by Cory Young for The Black Wall Street Times
Metro by T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) know neighborhoods across the country are evolving, some through gentrification and some through economic hardship. At risk is the essence that makes a community more than just a physical place. Metro by T-Mobile is celebrating these communities by highlighting the unique stories and rich cultural heritage of the people that live and work in these neighborhoods through the Metro Murals program.
Metro by T-Mobile Celebrates Tulsa’s ‘Black Wall Street’ with Metro Murals Beautification Project.
Featured in the Mural:
Brandon Oldham, Program Director at George Kaiser Family Foundation;
Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder & Director of Terence Crutcher Foundation;
Nehemiah D. Frank, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Black Wall Street Times;
Elizabeth Henley, Co-Founder of Black Moon;
Jerica D. Wortham, Best Selling Author & Poet;
Venita Cooper, Founder and Owner of Silhouette Sneakers & Art;
Onifade R. E. Colbert III, Founder and Owner of Onifade’s Cookie Company;
Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, Founder and Owner of Fulton Street;
Stephon Simon, Hip Hop Artist;
Branjae Jackson, Singer & Song Writer
The Black Wall Street mural was created by Tulsa Artist Alexander Tamahn.
“It was a true honor to be recognized amongst so many fellow Black artists, community leaders and influencers on this incredible mural sponsored by Metro T-Mobile and MetroMuralsTulsa! To make it plain, I simply don’t feel worthy. So many incredible human beings, I could only strive to measure up. Alexander Tamahn is a sheer vessel, a light sent here to highlight the depth and dimension of art, influence and community. I honor him so very much for his work, his art and his spirit. I truly feel like the butterfly he depicted in this great piece. Moving from place to place, person to person, group to group, pollinating seeds of positivity and truth. I truly hope to inspire the way that these humans inspire me. Thank you, Black Wall Street; thank you, Tulsa. We are thriving,” Branjae Jackson said.
“I didn’t realize how conditioned I was until Alex and T-Mobile called, saying they wanted to put me on a mural. I always felt like you don’t get that type of love till you gone, and that’s not true. I’ve always asked for our roses while we still living, but I really don’t even know how to smell em cuz I’m not used to it. I say that to say this, though. Enjoy the moments, cuz you never know who you inspiring, ” Stephon Simon said on Facebook.
“It’s incredibly humbling to be honored with a mural in North Tulsa alongside so many amazing individuals who do such amazing work in the community. I pray that this mural does more than simply display individuals, but that it inspires little Black girls and boys from North Tulsa to evolve, believe, hope, and become whatever their hearts desire. Thank you T-mobile/Metro PCS for this honor and I am so grateful for Alexander Tamahn and his incredible talent,” Dr. Tiffany Crutcher said.
