High school students in Gainesville creates mural with careful messages

Created with guidance from non -profit messages, a new mural at the Gainesville High School, entitled “Be the Change”, highlights the inheritance of racial integration and school resistance.

The art work serves as a tribute to the pioneer of civil rights, Dr. Lavon Wright Bray, the first African -American to graduate in 1965. The project also honors the legacy of the local music legend Tom Petty, inspiring future generations with a message of unity and resistance.

Bray, who traveled with her family from Orlando and Tallahassee for the event, expressed deep emotions when she saw the mural during Friday’s disclosure.

“It’s really overwhelming,” Bray said. “Thank you all those who have had anything to do with it. I remember what happened 50 years ago, when I was not met here. Now, I see so many welcoming people. I pray that no one goes through what I went through.”

Known for her book “A Brave Little Cookie”, Bray continues to educate young readers about integration struggles and sacrifices to create a more inclusive society.

The mural also presents silhouettes representing students who followed in the footsteps of Bray, including Joseph “Joel” and Sandra Williams, who also helped to integrate the school.

Karanis Lebron, Senior Ghs, who participated in the project, shared his connection with his message.

“The colors and details show the commitment and dedication in the process,” Lebron said.

After participating in several schools in Florida, Lebron found a feeling of membership at GHS and shared how far the school arrived after hearing Bray’s experience.

“This is my first year here and the first time I felt welcome at a school,” Lebron said. “When they (students) pass by here every day, they can see that there is a story behind it and it has a great sense. If they look at the story and see all the things (Bray and Petty) have passed and I see that they have done great things in their lives, they can inspire them to do it and be the change in this generation.”

The founder of Mindful messages, Jenna Horner, who launched non -profit in 2022, designed Mural to bring history and creativity together.

She was inspired to undertake the project after reading Bray’s book and wanted to share her story through art.

“The mural remains as a permanent equipment in the school and will inspire the coming generations, a constant memory of the important history that unifies us and brings us to our shared humanity,” Horner said.

GHS ceramics and 3D art teacher Sabrina Bobba witnessed Horner at the meeting of almost 100 students to contribute to the project.

Bobba emphasized the significance of their participation and said: “It is important for them to be involved in the process and to see a strong message like this. It shows that the high school puts them in the first place and highlights them all.”

Daniel Ferguson, the GHS director, praised the dedication of students and Horner’s management.

“Jenna did an excellent job, presenting the history of the Gainesville High School and the notable people who came through these doors,” Ferguson said. “I like how she (Bray) thought of the students in front of her and about Tom Petty, the mural encourages the students to have a dream and go for it.”