Usher’s New Look Organization & The NYPD Create Inspiring Mural In Williamsburg

Usher’s Atlanta based non-profit, Usher’s New Look & the NYPD have teamed up to help beautify Williamsburg, NY. Along with the NYPD, a group of high schoolers from Brooklyn, NY joined together to create a mural at the 90th Precinct.

The project started on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to bridge the increasing gap between the youth and officers of the Williamsburg community. Students part of Usher’s New Look, New York Leadership Academy, aged 14 to 17, began a 10-week long journey exploring police community relations.

During a candid & intimate dialogue, the two groups of students came together to write words that came to mind when they thought of the police force. There they were able to share their thoughts about the role officers play in the community, which provided a basis for what would become their mural.

By the end of the 10-weeks, the negative words turned into positive ones, as each group was able to get to know each other better. An important and inspiring conclusion.

The mural portrays a bridge of positive words, symbolizing the building of relationships between the youth of Brooklyn and the police force. The unveiling block party came complete with workouts courtesy of Coss Marte’s ConBody training, a variety of performances, & more. The beautification of the 90th precinct garden and mural provides as a catalyst to continue improving police community relations.

Police mentor Officer Melendez, described the mural as a depiction of “where we were & how far we’ve come.”