MIAMI (WSVN) - An artist is painting with a purpose in response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ demands for a curriculum change.
Marvin Weeks on Friday announced the first of four murals to be produced across the state addressing the Sunshine State’s African American history.
Speaking with 7News, Weeks said he has spent most of his adult life traveling across the country spreading awareness on important issues through his love of painting.
“Ever since I know it, I’ve been drawing,” Weeks told 7News in a recent interview.
Now he has brought his talents to Miami.
“I traveled to Washington, D.C. before coming to Miami and thought Miami was this rich place in culture and activity,” he said.
Weeks said his series, titled “Awaken Minds,” addresses the importance of inclusion of ideas relevant to young people in communities around the state.
The first mural, located at Northwest 17th Avenue and 58th Terrace in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood, features prominent African American leaders.
The announcement of the mural series comes on the heels of DeSantis’ controversial ban on an Advanced Placement African American Studies course.
“When I heard about the whole curriculum activities taking place across the state of Florida, I thought it was very important, regardless of what the outcome may be, to convey that there is a history and a culture, and it’s rich,” said Weeks.
On Wednesday, the Rev. Al Sharpton and hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tallahassee to protest the governor’s rejection.
Weeks said he hopes his murals will help educators understand the significance of Black history.
“I want this mural and other murals I do across the state of Florida to emphasize the true essence and why African American history and the curriculum is important,” he said.
Weeks said he plans to replicate the Liberty City mural in Jacksonville, Tampa and Tallahassee.
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