FAYETTEVILLE — The unveiling of a vibrant new mural drew attention to Fayetteville’s ongoing quest to build a welcoming and diverse community this past Monday. The artwork, entitled “Remembrance,” is situated on Nelson Hackett Boulevard and was celebrated for showcasing the city’s ethos of inclusivity and vitality.
During the festive unveiling, notable attendees such as Mayor Lioneld Jordan, artist Joelle Storet, and several family members of those portrayed in the mural participated in speeches. The gathering commenced with a gathering at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, followed by a procession to the mural’s location. Mayor Jordan commended Storet for her significant contribution to Fayetteville’s cultural landscape, describing the mural as a visual embodiment of the city’s values.
“This mural is more than just an exquisite work of art. It stands as a powerful declaration of our city’s resolve to nurture a thriving and inclusive society,” Jordan noted. “Through this artwork, we are reminded of our collective history and the promising future we are striving to create together.”
Artist Joelle Storet was chosen by the Fayetteville Arts Council through a competitive selection process that began in April. The city allocated a $24,000 budget for the project, which Storet brought to fruition over six weeks, crafting a mural that stretches 90 feet in length. Storet expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Fayetteville’s visual narrative.
“It’s a great honor to join the ranks of artists who have influenced Fayetteville’s representation,” she said. “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the heartfelt support from families who have long fortified this community with their profound impact.”
Storet, an alumna of the University of Arkansas now residing in the area, is currently engaged in works that connect her African roots with her African American identity, as detailed on her website.
“I aspire for this mural to spark ongoing dialogues about Fayetteville’s history and to inspire other artists to likewise represent community members who have historically been overlooked,” she stated.
FAMILY MEMBERS PAY HOMAGE
J Aleczander, a descendant of several influential Black figures depicted in the mural, reflected on his family’s deep ties to Northwest Arkansas, spanning six generations.
“The stories of Black families who trace their lineage through generations are becoming increasingly rare, making it exceptionally meaningful to understand our origins, the challenges our ancestors faced, and how they found their place in the community,” he remarked.
Aleczander shared anecdotes about his great uncle, Ulon Fae Barnes, a respected community stalwart and art supporter, whose life journey took him from Ozark in 1934 to a 30-year tenure as a postman in Oakland, California, where he also contributed to local botanical gardens, before returning to Fayetteville in 1988 to pursue his art passion. Barnes, who passed away in 2019, has had his art featured in the Crossing Borders Exhibit at the Fayetteville Underground for Artists of Color, as mentioned in his obituary.
Aleczander highlighted how Barnes’ narrative and guidance have been instrumental in his life, imbuing him with treasured stories and a deep respect for his heritage.
He also mentioned his great-aunt, Dorothy Isabelle Barnes Barker-Wilks, celebrated by the mayor with a dedicated day in her honor in 2020, acknowledging her centennial life journey that concluded in 2022 at 102 years.
Aleczander, a University of Arkansas graduate previously named James Barnes, discussed his name change as a personal tribute to his family’s legacy and his journey towards self-identification.
“Adopting a new name was a step towards embracing my heritage fully, facilitated by the insights and historical documents shared by Ulon Fae. This newfound understanding of my ancestry is incredibly exhilarating,” he shared.
Mayor Jordan also acknowledged Jessica Gray, Barker-Wilks’ granddaughter, for providing photos that inspired the mural’s creation. Gray’s family, who have been residents in a nearby Fayetteville neighborhood for nearly 90 years, were also mentioned.
Aleczander lauded the city for its efforts in commemorating Black history and advancing inclusivity within the community.
“As Fayetteville experiences a population surge, it’s crucial that we remain committed to ensuring all residents can live here as integral members of the community,” he stated.
HACKETT’S STORY ENSHRINED
The mural is part of Fayetteville’s initiative to acknowledge Black history in the downtown vicinity. In a notable move, the city council renamed Archibald Yell Boulevard to Nelson Hackett Boulevard in 2022, in memory of Hackett who bravely escaped slavery in 1841. Despite his efforts to flee to Canada, a letter penned by then-Governor Yell led to Hackett’s extradition back to the South. Storet’s mural portrays Hackett, whose existence plays a pivotal role in the narrative of American abolition and emancipation, according to the city’s official website.
