Arundel Community Development Services in partnership with Tunnel Vision and the Chase Your Dream Initiative is unveiling a new mural in the Bacontown community of Laurel. The basketball court mural is the vision of Comacell Brown and his partner Kyle Williams who is the president of Tunnel Vision.
Brown, who has completed projects for the Washington Commanders and local governments, says that he hopes the mural can serve as a reminder of the rich history of Bacontown. "What I wanted to do was really be mindful of this community's history and pay homage to all of the descendants of slaves who have connections to this land and area. You'll see for example a nod to the church across the street. We incorporated Maria Bacon's initials in the mural. There is a nod to the famous shotgun house. So we've done a few things to help preserve the history of Maria Bacon and her family. I hope the community can appreciate that." The community got its name from Bacon who was deeded the land after she was freed from slavery.
Kyle Williams agrees about Bacontown's history and says that he has worked across the county with local leaders to preserve and create places for wellness and recreation. "I'm just happy that we have the support of County Executive Steuart Pittman. I've worked with Delegate Rogers, Councilman Pete Smith and Devin (Tucker) on these and other things across the community. I'm just glad that we can be a part of this and I hope that it will lead to other great things for Bacontown, Fieldstone, and Russett," said Williams.
Devin Tucker says that the mural is a nice addition. "This started years ago with conversations with Rick Anthony who formerly served as director for Parks and Recreation. I think he understood the need for investments on this side of town near Fieldstone and Russett and worked to start some improvements. We got a ways to go but the mural is a great piece of public art and just a great effort by Comacell and Kyle."
Both Brown and Williams will lead a ribbon cutting ceremony for the mural on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11AM. The public is invited.
