Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn Org and Groundswell unveil mural on Atlantic Avenue

"Show Brooklyn Some Love" urges community to drive social change

September 19, 2024 Mandie-Beth Chau
“Show Brooklyn Some Love” mural dedication ribbon cutting. Center: Brooklyn Org’s President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey. Photo by Paul Frangipane
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DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Org and Groundswell hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for its 500-square-foot mural, “Show Brooklyn Some Love,” which adorns the facade of Atlantic Terminal Mall. 

“It’s always a pleasure to work with Brooklyn.org and we are delighted to collaborate with Atlantic Center Mall on this project,” said Amy Sananman, founder of Groundswell. “This mural will reflect the unique joys of Brooklyn and the proud spirit of its residents, including Groundswell.” 

Brooklyn Org’s President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey. Photo by Paul Frangipane
Brooklyn Org’s President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey. Photo by Paul Frangipane

During a community paint day on Thursday, Aug. 16, volunteers, artists and locals painted a design by teaching artist Carlos Mateu and five Groundswell students. A month later, on the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 16, the completed mural was unveiled. 

The mural reflects the joy, harmony and pride that defines Brooklyn by capturing everyday life in the borough. Whether gathering on a stoop, gardening in shared green spaces, playing basketball or performing music, the mural depicts the many ways Brooklynites share and connect as a supportive, creative community.

This mural is a tribute to the vibrant, interconnected fabric of Brooklyn. It’s a celebration of our daily interactions and the cultural richness that makes this borough unique,” said Mateu.

From left: City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, Brooklyn Org’s President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Executive Director of Groundswell Community Mural Project Yvonne Martinez Brathwaite. Photo by Paul Frangipane
From left: City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, Brooklyn Org’s President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Executive Director of Groundswell Community Mural Project Yvonne Martinez Brathwaite. Photo by Paul Frangipane

The mural on Atlantic Avenue is part of Brooklyn Org’s “Show Brooklyn Some Love” campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about nonprofit funding and community investment in Brooklyn, where despite making up 30% of the city’s population and 30% of the city’s nonprofits, the borough’s organizations only receive 7.6% of charitable funding

Brooklyn Org addresses disparity by encouraging Brooklynites to champion local organizations, contribute to grassroots movements and drive social change. The mural was strategically constructed on the facade of Atlantic Terminal Mall, positioned in the midst of rapid gentrification. 

The completed “Show Brooklyn Some Love” mural by Brooklyn Org and Groundswell, located at Atlantic Terminal at the corner of Atlantic Ave and S Portland Ave. Photo by Paul Frangipane
The completed “Show Brooklyn Some Love” mural by Brooklyn Org and Groundswell, located at Atlantic Terminal at the corner of Atlantic Ave and S Portland Ave. Photo by Paul Frangipane

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Groundswell and our community to bring this mural to life,” said Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “It’s a testament to the incredible spirit of Brooklyn and a call to action for residents to support the grassroots organizations making a difference.”

Groundswell is a nonprofit organization that provides paid art opportunities to local students. Under the guidance of a teaching artist, the students learn about a hyperlocal community and design murals to reflect the history, culture and values in that neighborhood. After designing murals based on research, the teams host community paint days where residents can contribute to bringing the design to life. Groundswell has established over 600 murals across the city.

From left: Brooklyn Org Board Member Tanya Friedman, Brooklyn Org President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Brooklyn Org Board Member Hilary Ley Jager, and Brooklyn Org Board Member Rabbi Rachel Timoner. Photo by Paul Frangipane
From left: Brooklyn Org Board Member Tanya Friedman, Brooklyn Org President and CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Brooklyn Org Board Member Hilary Ley Jager, and Brooklyn Org Board Member Rabbi Rachel Timoner. Photo by Paul Frangipane

Brooklyn Org is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009, and it focuses on borough-specific philanthropic projects. It emphasizes racial justice through investment in community changemakers, whether local businesses, nonprofits, grassroots leaders and families. Through grants and intentional funding, Brooklyn Org has given over $120 million to Brooklyn nonprofits and invests over $5 million each year in high-impact projects. 





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