Thrive Collective returned a third year to continue the mural makeover of the FDA Campus in Harlem. Artist DAZE worked with students to design murals for the two main entrances to the building: Affirmations for PS 200 and Lion’s Pride for Frederick Douglas Academy High School.

For the student intensive at FDA, Yasmine Rodriguez led workshops with 7th graders enrolled in FDA’s art class. They explored the school’s core values expressed in “Lion’s Pride.” PRIDE stands for Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence, and became the guiding framework for the mural when 90% of the student sketches referenced it. Students hoped to address concerns about conflict and fighting by emphasizing a message of peace, unity, and transformation. Frederick Douglass inspired bravery and a quest for resolution and freedom.

DAZE incorporated the ideas of peace and unity by portraying two hands shaking each other surrounded by red and gold, the school colors. The mural also serves as a wayfinder pointing towards the school entrance.