HAPA UNVEILS 60th MURAL DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA) joined partners today to cut the ribbon on the city’s latest public art project. The piece, titled “Freedom Summer: Honoring History and Hope in Palmers Crossing,” commemorates the vital role this neighborhood played during the 1964 movement, when activists mobilized for voter registration and education. It is Hattiesburg’s 60^th large-scale, permanent mural.

The project originally began through a student-led initiative at Pearl River Community College, where members of national honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) selected this meaningful public art installation as their 2023 Honors in Action project. This PTK initiative provides funding and research opportunities for undergraduate students, allowing them to contribute action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in communities across the country.

After studying the intersection of art, science, and play, the PRCC class chose to place a mural commemorating Freedom Summer 1964 in Hattiesburg’s Palmers Crossing neighborhood, near Earl Travillion Attendance Center. Their work ensures this vital piece of history remains a conversational topic to local students, visitors, and community members through the art piece.

“As our Phi Theta Kappa Honors students worked with the city government and local artists to advocate for this public mural in this specific historic neighborhood rich with stories about the “Freedom Summer” Civil Rights movement, we learned that art has the power to inspire us to memory, celebration, and renewed hope,” said PRCC instructor Dr. Terri Ruckel.

Following 18 months of research and implementation, the mural was officially unveiled during Black History Month, aligning with the recent 60^th anniversary of Freedom Summer. Hattiesburg played a significant role in this monumental project of the Civil Rights Movement.

“When PRCC and the Ruckels approached me some time ago with the idea of this mural, we looked at several building options that were not suitable. With that, I decided to build a wall. It is a reality today thanks to the efforts and desire to see public art in Palmers Crossing since there was not any in this area before today,” said Forrest County Supervisor Rod Woullard.

Pine Belt artists Chris and Taryn Holzinger were selected by the PRCC class to complete the design with the guidance of community members and Supervisor Woullard, who secured funding for the construction of the wall. Positioned in a high-traffic area, their vibrant artwork integrates important local leaders and imagery honoring the brave individuals who served during the period.

“This project beautifully unites history and art, turning a shared space into a lasting tribute that educates and inspires,” said VisitHATTIESBURG CEO Marlo Dorsey. “Through creative collaboration, we honor the past while strengthening our community’s connection for the future.”

“Freedom Summer” will be added to the HBURG Public Art Trail. Since 2020, HAPA has worked to significantly grow Hattiesburg’s public art throughout the city, both in murals and utility boxes. The total number of public art pieces in the community now exceeds 100.

To learn more about HAPA or for a map of existing public art in Hattiesburg, visit HAPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or hburgart.com. 

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A program of VisitHATTIESBURG, HAPA began in 2014 through the leadership of community members and generous donors passionate about publicly sharing art and making it accessible to all. HAPA continues to purchase and place art throughout the city – in parks, neighborhoods, public buildings, and businesses – while also raising awareness for works of art already in the area. The organization is partially funded by VisitHATTIESBURG, Mississippi Arts Commission grants, the City of Hattiesburg, and other local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.