Reviewed by:
NEW mural in Montgomery raises awareness Alabama’s vulnerable children
Embrace Alabama Kids recently teamed up with city officials and art communities in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa to unveil a new traveling mural in downtown Montgomery. Its goal—to shed light on the critical issues facing Alabama’s children.
“The City of Montgomery is proud to partner with Embrace Alabama Kids and our visionary artists on this meaningful project to help raise awareness fo Alabama’s children who suffer from abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The mural enhances Montgomery’s vibrant and growing downtown by transforming what was once a vacant building into a colorful, diverse and symbolic celebration of Alabama’s children and families. “
Mayor Steven Reed, City of Montgomery
Who is Embrace Alabama Kids?
Embrace Alabama Kids is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit organization that has served the state of Alabama for 131 years. Their mission is to serve vulnerable children, youth and families across the state. The nonprofit’s expansive programs include group homes, foster care, family preservation, adoption care services, school readiness and higher education.
According to Embrace Alabama Kids, the Alabama Department of Human Resources receives over 28,000 incidents of child abuse, neglect and abandonment each year. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Embrace Alabama Kids encourages communities across the state to come together to help break this vicious cycle.
“Alabama’s children experience hardships no child should have to face. We can’t chance the wrongs our children have experienced in the past, but through our ministry we can help change the trajectory of their future by providing homes, healing and hope.”
Blake Horne, President and CEO, Embrace Alabama Kids
Behind the Mural
Mural by Chelsea Maher, Birmingham. Photo via Embrace Alabama Kids 
Tuscaloosa. Photo via Embrace Alabama Kids 
Local Artist Chelsea Maher paints traveling mural. Photo via Embrace Alabama Kids
To create the mural, Embrace Alabama Kids was joined by:
- Lead muralist Nathaniel Allen
- Local artists and entrepreneurs from The King’s Canvas and 21 Dreams Arts & Culture in Montgomery
- Artists and community volunteers in Birmingham, Mobile and Tuscaloosa
- Volunteers from the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc
“This unique design illustrated the diversity of our families in Alabama and symbolizes hope for a positive future in Montgomery. We are honored to partner with a meaningful organization like Embrace Alabama Kids to help shape our downtown into an urban mural destination.”
Kalonji Gilchrist, Executive Direction, 21 Dreams Arts & Culture
For all the news in Bama, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
