If you walk between the green side and the blue side on the second floor, you have probably noticed the police tape marking off a large chunk of the wall next to the Blue Gym. Why? Chelsea High students are paying homage to civil rights movements by painting a mural of civil rights leaders of many eras.

The student group Change Within Our School (CWS) had the idea for the project and determined which leaders to depict by vote. The mural will include Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela and Roberto Clemente.

The student most responsible for the actual design and painting is senior Tam Vu. Vu plans to complete the mural before the school year ends. “As a group,” said Vu, “the C.W.S wanted to make something for Black history month to honor all the civil right leaders.” If you see the mural, you will notice that CHS and the Tobin Bridge are also in the background, which represent the importance of these leaders to Chelsea.

Before Vu could begin the mural, it had to be approved by the city manager, the school committee, and the B.U management team. Superintendent Thomas Kingston presented the proposal to the school committee.

Principal Joe Mullaney had many positive things to say about the art mural. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our kids to contribute to our school,” he said. “It’s a message of unity and respect – art wise I think it’s going to be a beautiful project to be proud of.”

Mr. Mullaney welcomes more student-sponsored projects. “This is a good start for students to get more involved in positive ways here in the school.”



Mr. David Weinberg, who advises CWS, said that anyone interested in helping complete the mural should see him. He confirmed Vu’s account of the project’s origin. “We felt like the school didn’t do enough to recognize Black history month,” he said.