The Porch

The Porch:

And, the rules:

Malcolm and Yuri: A Mural

A large mural sits on the corner of 125th Street and Old Broadway, displaying a bright and inspiring image. In the center of the mural: a crowd of people rioting, holding up picket signs for various topics, such as Asian hate crimes, BLM, Puerto Rico freedom, and more. On each side of the mural is a large portrait of a famous civil rights activist. On the left, Yuri Kochiyama and on the right, Malcolm X.

Although not as well known as Malcolm X, Yuri Kochiyama was just as passionate about human rights. Her activism career took off in Harlem, despite being a California native. She was a strong advocate for Asian American rights after her personal experience in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. She also was extremely vocal in regard to other minorities gaining their rights, especially Black Americans. She met Malcolm X sometime in 1963, and they formed a lasting friendship. Kochiyama joined Malcom’s group, the Organization for Afro-American Unity, to help decimate racial injustices and establish a sense of community throughout the nation.

Malcolm X was also not a Harlem native, but is well known for his connection to Harlem's civil rights movement. Born in Nebraska, he faced crisis at a young age, as his father, Earl Little, died in an incident when Malcolm was a boy. Although at the time, authorities ruled the death a suicide, many people believed he was murdered for his political views. The family struggled after Earl died and Malcolm X’s mother was eventually institutionalized. Malcolm X fell into a life of crime and imprisonment after his disordered childhood: However, during his time in prison he decided to make some changes to his life, choosing to further his education and also join the Nation of Islam. His passion for the faith took off, as did his his passion for civil justice. He became a prominent public speaker, preaching both civil rights and the NOI’s teachings. Malcolm X is credited to establishing many mosques across America, and was selected to lead the Nation of Islam’s Mosque #7 on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Both he and Yuri Kochiyama are celebrated now as freedom fighters and Harlem's mural commemorates that fact.

The mural itself was painted by hundreds of volunteers, young and old, from all over the community. The art piece's title, From Harlem with Love: A Mural Project for Yuri & Malcolm, is an accurate description of the work. Volunteers from all over Harlem have added to it, painting the Harlem soul straight into the mural.