The Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement, an African American philanthropic initiative founded in 2015, funded a mural project led by the Artist Seven and Brainerd High School students. The Sankofa Fund awarded $15,000 in grants to local, African American artists, arts organizations and arts innovators. The Sankofa Fund arts and culture grants were created with support from the Lyndhurst Foundation with the goals of "promoting diverse arts and cultural participation, building community and enhancing cross cultural understanding."
The mural project took three weeks and is the focal-point of the school’s outdoor courtyard. Students and the school’s art teacher worked on the project.
“I was excited to know that our art students would have the opportunity to work with the artist Seven in creating a mural garden for Brainerd HS," said Principal James. “His ability to masterfully integrate their ideas into the design as well as lead them shows his passion and love for his craft and alma mater. When I saw the finished product, I was in awe. I cannot wait for our students and families to see Seven's artwork.”
Rebecca Suttles, the chairperson of the Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement, stated, “This mural is a wonderful example of the types of arts and culture projects we hope to continue to fund well into the future.”
The Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement is a membership organization committed to "funding and supporting organizations, projects and efforts which improve Chattanooga's African American."