YONKERS – Yonkers has unveiled a new mural tribute to singer, songwriter Mary J. Blige.
The mural called “Together” is a tribute to Blige, a local legend and international phenomenon who came from humble beginnings in Yonkers. Blige was recently tapped to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
The 78-foot wide by 18-foot-high mural was unveiled on April 25 at Palisade Towers, an eight-building former public housing complex in a ceremony presided over by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers Housing Authority (YHA) CEO Wilson Kimball, Yonkers Arts Executive Director Ray Wilcox and Artist Robin Alcantara, also known as Blazay.
It is part of a multi-year public art partnership between YHA and local arts organization Yonkers Arts that was funded by the Mulford Corp., a non-profit that funds YHA projects. The public art project has brought more than 150 pieces of art to YHA properties including two earlier mural tributes to famous YHA residents Earl “DMX” Simmons and Ella Fitzgerald.
“It is always a proud day when we can highlight the accomplishments of our city’s residents,’’ said Mayor Spano. “The talents and accomplishments of these local heroes is an inspiration to us all and a reminder that even those who come from humble beginnings can achieve great things.’’
Kimball said that the mural accomplishes two things: to inspire local residents and to bring beauty to urban areas. “Yonkers has always been a city at the forefront of the Hip-Hop movement. The Yonkers Housing Authority celebrates the men and women of Yonkers who made Hip-Hop their artform with this new mural at Palisade Towers. We believe we are stronger together when we work with the City of Yonkers and Mayor Mike Spano, when we work with YonkersArts, when we work with Blazay and when we provide our tenants with homes and not just housing,’’ she said.
Alcantara was also responsible for a mural in the Calcagno Homes gymnasium that was unveiled last January called “The Come Up,” which prominently featured another local legend the “Queen of Jazz” Ella Fitzgerald.
“Being able to paint these walls in Yonkers is a dream come true and I am grateful to be able to work with you to bring murals to the city,’’ said Alcantara.