Northeast News
Oct. 6, 2010

As it has been for hundreds of people in Historic Northeast, the sport of soccer represents unity in a new 42-by-16 foot mural on Independence Avenue unveiled Saturday.

In the four panels of the mural, professional soccer heroes and young people from four continents are depicted passing the soccer ball. Artist Joe Faus celebrated the rich diversity of Historic Northeast through the theme of soccer with this mural, located adjacent to Charrito’s Restaurant at 3831 Independence Ave. This is the second diversity-themed mural Faus has painted in Northeast this year — including the marketplace-themed one at St. John and Askew avenues.

“I would hope [these murals create] pride for one, that people would take notice,” said John Wood, senior program officer for Greater Kansas City LISC, which led the project along with other community partners. “A couple of people walked up to me [Saturday] and said they want to get involved. That was really big to me.”

City Council Members Sharon Sanders Brooks and Melba Curls, both of the 3rd District, East Patrol Major Anthony Ell, Central Bank President Bill Dana and Scott Wagner, representing the Northeast Chamber of Commerce, also attended and spoke at the mural dedication Saturday. The councilwomen recognized the mural as contributing to community development, in addition to representing the value of diversity.

“The fact that we got their attention was good,” Wood said.

LISC also presented Alvaro Galindo, owner of the building on which the mural was painted, with the first ever Community ACTION Hero Award on Saturday. ACTION stands for Active Citizens Taking Initiative and Ownership Now. Galindo was surprised and humbled to receive the award.

“It’s refreshing to have somebody who is willing to step up, a property owner who is willing to make visible change,” Wood said.

Wood added LISC could present the new award in the future to others who stand out for doing good things in their communities — people who step up without LISC prompting them.

There is no immediate plan for a third or subsequent murals in the Northeast, however, Wood said if there is an opportunity to make a statement on a highly visible wall where someone wants one, the mural momentum could continue.