Crowd gathers for showcasing of historical mural in east Jackson

July 17, 2024

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Community members across the Hub City gathered for the unveiling of a new piece of artwork.

After 225 to 230 hours of constant painting and research, one artist showcases their hard work to the community. Juan Barroso, who is originally a potter, showcased his first mural.

“From left to right it’s, Austin Raymond Merry, the old JACOA building in Montgomery Hall, Gil Scott-Heron–a jazz musician and poet. He was one of the first to integrate Tigrett Middle School. Carl Perkins, Isaac Lane, Lane College. The chairs from the Woolworth store from the sit in, the Casey Jones train and then Shirlene Mercer,” said Juan Barroso, Muralist.

This mural will sit across from Parkview Prep Academy with hopes to inspire those students with the history of Jackson.

“Chris Kelly came with the idea of having historical figures from east Jackson and people that would inspire the kids in front of the school that wouldn’t be in the history books. It was that and a walk I took in the Shirlene Mercer park that’s pretty close to us here and then the people mentioned in those plaques,” said Barroso.

While meeting some of the family members of this mural he was nervous, but he is happy to know that he has highlighted their family legacy. Shrilene Mercer’s daughter, Tina Mercer, shares how it feels to see her mom still honored.

“My mom had a non-profit organization and she planted a lot of seeds and so the fact that they’re recognizing her even after those seeds are still growing and the community is still flourishing and all the good work that she did. So it’s not in vain, it’s still lives on through everyone in the community,’ said Mercer.

While painting he made a few friends along the way.

“While painting it, there were some kids that would come up in bicycles and I think they were first inspired by–that you can make money from artwork. They were asking me how much was I making, they seem to be happy with it. I think they were also happy to see people of color on the walls,” said Barroso.

This mural was made possible by Jackson’s Love Your Block and many other sponsors.

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