I Am Because We Are mural celebrates heart of 3 Detroit neighborhoods

A community celebration is set to take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, as the new art installation, I Am Because We Are, is unveiled at 1800 18th Street (former APAC building) in Detroit. This powerful tribute to the Corktown, North Corktown, and Hubbard Richard neighborhoods honors the resilience, diversity, and interconnectedness of the community while drawing inspiration from the African philosophy of Ubuntu: "I am because we are."

The mural, created by local artists Jessica Trevino and Romain Blanquart, spans two sides of the building with stunning 10x23 banners. It features 104 portraits of residents whose stories and histories embody the essence of these three neighborhoods. Installation of the mural will take place this week, culminating in Saturday’s celebration event, which promises to bring the community together in a shared moment of pride and reflection.

The unveiling event will offer a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy holiday music and roasted chestnuts courtesy of Hubbard Richard Residents Association. Meet the artists and many of the people featured in the mural. Refreshments will be served, and each resident featured in the installation will receive a printed portrait to take home as a keepsake.

In creating the mural, the artists collaborated with two young interns Julianna Izzard of Corktown and Lamar Dupree of Hubbard Richard, offering paid opportunities for them to develop their skills while contributing to the project. Their involvement underscores the importance of investing in the next generation as stewards of the community’s history and culture.

Jessica Trevino and Romain Blanquart, both deeply rooted in these neighborhoods, describe the project as a love letter to their community. Trevino, whose family has lived in Hubbard Richard since 1962, has witnessed decades of change in Detroit. Blanquart, originally from France, found his home in the city in 2002. Together, their partnership reflects the unity and collaboration that are at the heart of this mural.

The title, I Am Because We Are, captures the ethos of Corktown, North Corktown, and Hubbard Richard, where stories of resilience and interconnectedness have been woven together over generations. These neighborhoods have faced challenges, but have always risen with a shared sense of purpose and solidarity.

“This mural is a celebration of the people who make these neighborhoods so vibrant and unique,” said Blanquart. “It would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community members, partners, and funders. Their generosity, collaboration, and shared commitment to preserving the spirit of these neighborhoods have been inspiring.”

I Am Because We Are is made possible by Cultural Crossroads (MiSide) an initiative enhancing art and culture opportunities in our community. This project was funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation with assistance from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan and Michigan Central.

This installation comes at a time of rapid transformation for the area, marked by the reopening of Michigan Central Station and other developments. While these changes bring hope and opportunity, they also raise questions about preserving the unique identities of the neighborhoods. The mural serves as a reminder of the people who have made these communities what they are today and the importance of safeguarding their legacy as well as welcoming new residents.

The I Am Because We Are mural will remain on display for several months, offering a lasting tribute to the spirit of the neighborhoods and the residents who call them home.