Event marks two-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death

The city of Southfield will host an unveiling of local artist Curtis Lewis’ new mural titled "Breathless" on Wednesday, May 25 at 2 p.m. in the Southfield Public Library meeting room, 26300 Evergreen Road.

The mural highlights George Floyd in addition to 75 other fatal victims of violence as well as 36 civil rights pioneers and leaders. The mural is 4’x5’ oil and acrylic on canvas and has been two years in the making. The unveiling marks the 2^nd year anniversary of George Floyd's death on March 25, 2020. The work is part of a three-piece collection titled: "Justice 4 All." The other artworks include a 2’x3’painting of Anne Frank titled "Heartbeat in the Attic" that celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month as well as a 2’x3’painting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky titled “Let My People Go."

Southfield Police Duty to Intervene Policy

In response to the murder of Mr. Floyd, the Southfield Police Department revised its ‘Use of Force’ policy under the direction of Chief of Police Elvin Barren. The policy amendment entitled ‘Duty to Intervene’ requires every sworn employee present at any scene to stop another sworn employee when force is being inappropriately applied or is no longer required. This is an important step in addressing and correcting any implicit or lingering bias in community policing.

About Artist Curtis Lewis

Curtis Lewis studied at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Chicago. Lewis is proud of his 32-year history with the City of Southfield and the Southfield Public Library where he first unveiled the Detroit Piston NBA Championship mural titled, “Heroes Winners and Champions” prior to unveiling it during half-time at the Palace of Auburn Hills during the NBA World Championship game. He also unveiled the Tiger Woods mural prior to exhibiting it at the Buick Open as well as meeting Tiger Woods. Rosa Parks and Aretha Franklin’s mural are the most recent murals that he exhibited at the Southfield Public Library. Concerning George Floyd and the “Justice 4 All” collection Mr. Lewis says, “It is important we become part of the solution otherwise we are a part of the pollution.”

The “Justice 4 All” collection will be on loan and display at the Southfield Public Library from May 25 until June 25. For more information, call Southfield Public Library Outreach Librarian Kelly Rembert at (248) 796-4367 or email krembert@southfieldlibrary.org.