Aliou Cisse | Staff Writer | acisse@mail.smcvt.edu
In a week dedicated to commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., St. Michael’s College with the help of MLK Society, and the Creative Commons, a new art club on campus, honored him by bringing people together to create an art piece that serves as a reminder of his profound idea of community.
The event took place on Jan. 20 at the Alliot Student Center. Students from diverse backgrounds participated, either by contributing to the painting or by admiring the piece. Situated in a frequented area of the school, the mural features an image of King in a familiar pose—one often seen in photographs of his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. The mural’s placement ensures that it reaches as many people as possible, serving its purpose of inspiring reflection.
“The piece is meant to inspire others to think about radical empathy,” said Thalia Guarnieri ’26, one of the artists leading the mural’s creation. The importance of community is embedded in the concept of radical empathy and in the ideals King fought for.
“To me, [radical empathy] means thinking outside the box and going beyond trying to understand what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes,” Guarnieri said.
MLK week, according to the MLK Jr. Society, is meant to be a symbol of community and mutual care, regardless of race. When paired with the message of radical empathy, the mural aims to foster the vision of a more compassionate community— one that values understanding and supporting one another, Guarnieri said.
Becca Gurney, assistant professor of graphic design in the Art and Design program and the faculty member leading the mural project, spoke about the tradition of creating murals at this time of year and their lasting impact. Although this was her first collaboration with the Creative Commons on a mural, she had led a previous mural project last year, which had been displayed in Dion and later relocated.
Gurney underscored the significance of these murals, explaining that they encourage viewers to pause and reflect on the messengers of the ideas being shared throughout the years. The participation of students and faculty in the mural’s creation embodied the concept of a beloved community and collective effort.
The mural draws inspiration from Barbara Jones-Hogu, an African American artist deeply involved in Black American culture and the Black
Arts Movement. It also incorporates colors from the Pan-African flag. The goal was to engage the community, Gurney and Guarnieri explained, by inviting participation in the painting process or by prompting reflection from passersby.
“I think the space in Alliot is very important,” Gurney said when asked about the idea of the mural being on a canvas. “Hopefully, like always, we will have that wall next year to create a new mural. But because it is on a canvas, we do not completely lose the history of each artist who has contributed.”
While the MLK mural will not have a permanent place on Alliot’s walls, its mobility allows for its preservation, reinforcing the evolving interpretation and portrayal of Dr. King’s words and vision.