All Services Entail Tender Loving Care and A Listening Ear

  • Painted on the side of the BVSJ building, this mural brings the organization's powerful message to its facade.
  • A youth presents their preliminary sketches.
  • Artist Chris Beck paints with a young participant.
  • A close up of just one of the many scenes taking place on the mural.
Brooklyn Mural Pays Homage To Returning Vets - NY1.com.mp4

Project Description

“All Services Entail Tender Loving Care and a Listening Ear” was created by a team of youth commissioned by the Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) organization in Brooklyn. This acrylic mural illustrates African-American participation in the armed services alongside scenes of domestic life and the history of BVSJ. A letter depicted throughout the composition pays homage to the prominent historical role of African-Americans in the military mail services, as well as the importance of letters sent from home to soldiers on active duty. This colorful mural wraps around the façade of the BVSJ building, bringing color and awareness into the streets. A participant explained, “This mural represents the black veterans, their coming home, their part in the community, and the impact of their contribution. That’s something that we want to explore, because veterans do not get enough of that exposure.”

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Project Info

Location: 665 Willoughby Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11206

Fun Facts

Quote
“The main purpose of the mural is to let the veterans, family, and this community know that the doors here are open for any transition needed.” – Herbert Sweat, Chairman, Board of Directors of BVSJ
Fun Fact
In 1979, a group of veterans from all branches of the military representing enlistees from WWII through Vietnam came together to provide assistance to veterans with problems. BVSJ has evolved since its beginnings into a community fixture.
Impact
A Groundswell participant was so touched by what she learned during the process of executing the mural that she started a pen pal relationship with soldiers in Afghanistan. She also sent care packages with clothing and other supplies.