Celebrating the Dedication of the Z. Alexander Looby Mural

Photo by Metro Photographer Shane Potter.

On Wednesday, July 16th, the Nashville community came together to celebrate the dedication of a stunning new mural at the Z. Alexander Looby Community Center. This vibrant artwork, created by the talented team at Creative Girls Rock® and led by muralist Elisheba Mrozik, founder of Queen Bee Ink and North Nashville Arts Coalition, honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Z. Alexander Looby.

The journey to this moment began with a grant awarded by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission to Creative Girls Rock®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls and women through creative arts. This project was part of former Mayor John Cooper’s Participatory Budgeting program, aimed at fostering community development in North Nashville. The community's vision was clear: a mural that would celebrate Looby’s pursuit of justice and his enduring impact on Nashville and beyond. The mural, now gracing the 20’x 94’ western wall of the Looby Community Center, is a testament to the power of community collaboration.

The Looby Community Center, named after the esteemed civil rights activist and attorney, is a hub of activity and resources. It houses the Looby Branch Library, the Z. Alexander Looby Theater, and various recreational spaces. The library offers programs for all ages, from story time to tech help and yoga. The theater hosts productions by local theater companies and the Metro Parks Theater and Music Departments.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell speaking at the dedication ceremony. Photo by Shane Potter.

The dedication ceremony was a moving tribute to Z. Alexander Looby and his contributions to justice and community empowerment. Mayor Freddie O’Connell spoke about the significance of the mural, calling it "a who’s who of Freedom Riders and changemakers that places Looby’s work itself in context as a celebration of the community, above all else, that honors the past while inviting us to participate in what happens next.” The mural features Looby alongside other civil rights heroes such as Diane Nash, Thurgood Marshall, and J.C. Napier, symbolizing the collective efforts of those who fought for civil rights.

The mural also includes portraits of Looby’s wife, Grafta Looby, an educator; former state Senator Avon Williams Jr.; former Nashville Councilman Kwame Leo Lillard; economist and educator Flournoy Coles; pioneering physician Coyness Ennix; and Nashville's first Black attorneys, Prince Albert Ewing and Taylor G. Ewing Sr. The words "education," "justice," "community," and "equality" are prominently featured, along with a painting of Lady Justice and a crossed-out I-40 sign, symbolizing opposition to the highway that blocked access to North Nashville's historic Black business district.

Charmin Bates and Elisheba Mrozik embrace during dedication ceremony. Photo by Shane Potter.

Creative Girls Rock® Founder and CEO Charmin Bates shared her excitement about the project, emphasizing how it enhances the cultural vibrancy of the community. The mural project not only honors Looby’s legacy but also fosters creativity and celebrates shared heritage. Lead artist Elisheba Mrozik emphasized the importance of art in reflecting the times and ensuring that the legacies of Looby and other civil rights stalwarts are not forgotten. Mrozik’s inspiration was to capture the spirit and determination of Looby and his counterparts, bringing their legacy to life in vibrant color.

This mural, funded by the Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County Participatory Budgeting Program and Metro Nashville’s Percent for Public Art Fund, is now a permanent part of the Metro Public Art Collection. It stands as a vibrant reminder of Z. Alexander Looby’s legacy and the ongoing commitment to civil rights and community engagement in Nashville.

You can watch the full mural dedication at the video below.