Martin Luther King Mural

Located at the Mansfield Community Center, 10 South Eagleville Road in Mansfield, this mural is part of the MLK39: Racial Equity Mural Tour.  CT Murals is partnering with 39 communities across Connecticut to create 39 murals for each year of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. The mural is part of a campaign to bring the message of justice, equity, and love through the symbolism of MLK to 39 communities.


Artistic Vision for the Series: MLK was a man who brings light to darkness and represents a symbol for more equal and positive times ahead. While the work will always continue, these Martin Luther King Jr. murals are a reminder that the light is still shining.


To learn more or to donate please visit RiseUP for Arts @ theriseupgroup.org/mlk39


Below is a short video created by artist Emida Rollar demonstrating the steps in the creation of this MLK39 mural in Mansfield.

Community Involvement in Mansfield's Mural

The Mansfield Human Rights Commission took the lead role in conceptualizing and creating the mural, more than a year in development.  A community survey informed the design of the mural.  Dr. King's famous quotation, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."  was selected to appear on the mural.

Emida Roller then interpreted the quote, along with survey input, to create a piece that evokes a quilt of colors--the garment of destiny-- combined with images of children of Mansfield at work and play, and words painted by individuals.  Ms Roller led community paint days at the Mansfield Public Library and the University of Connecticut so volunteers could participate in the creation of the mural.  The art was painted on a series of panels mounted along the front of the Mansfield Community Center.

It was unveiled in November of 2022 at a ceremony that featured the choir of Mansfield Middle School, a soloist from the Voices of Freedom Gospel Choir, Mansfield's Superintendent Kelly Lyman, Dr. Carlita Cotton representing Conversations on Racism (COR) Mansfield, and Human Rights Commission Chair Glenn Mitoma along with Matt Conway, Executive Director of  the RiseUP Group. 

The mural was funded through private donations matched by Sustainable CT.  Participating organizations supporting the mural effort included the Windham/Willimantic NAACP, Mansfield Public Schools, Region 19/E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield Community Center, Mansfield Downtown Partnership, the University of Connecticut and COR Mansfield.


About the Artist

For six year, artist Emida Roller was one of the lead artists at Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) in Madison, Wisconsin where she also served as the Executive Director before moving to Eastern Connecticut.  She has extensive experience in community mural production, and operates her company Wall Designs by Emida, LLC.  A native of Nigeria, Ms Roller holds degrees in Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Art from the University of Illinois.