An enormous, 40,000-square-foot mural was painted in Flushing, Queens this week, to pay tribute to all those lost during the pandemic and acknowledge the “forgotten people of COVID-19.”
The mural was organized by Greenpoint Innovations — a creative company based in Brooklyn that works toward sustainability goals in all realms (social, environment and economic) — and was painted by artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada. Working with NYC Parks, the Queens Museum and others, they chose to immortalize Dr. Ydelfonso Decoo, a Latino doctor from NYC who passed away from COVID-19.
The stunning art piece was created to honor all those who have passed away during the crisis, according to Gerada, but also acknowledge the disproportionate loss of Hispanic and African American lives in NYC.
According to data revealed last month, African Americans and Hispanics have died of COVID-19 at twice the rate of white or Asian New Yorkers. Hispanic and black populations make up 75 % of frontline workers who have still been at work during the crisis, according to the city comptroller.
The mural is located right next to the Queens Museum in Flushing-Corona Park. It was painted on Monday, Memorial Day, and is titled “Somos La Luz Memorial.” They plan on hosting an official unveiling soon (along with virtual options); stay up to date here.
featured image source: Instagram / @just_a_spectator via @streetartunitedstates