INpower

Groundswell, New York City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, and Dominican Women's Development Center collaborated to bring a new mural at the George Washington Educational Complex. INpower was completed by Lead Artist Gina Goico, Assistant Artist Joiri Minaya, and a team of young women artists. The mural explores self-love as an act of resistance for young women of color, especially those of whom are marginalized in multiple facets of their identity. During the design phase of the mural-making process, the group of young women discussed the issues they faced as young women of color, included body image/self-worth, vulnerability caused by social media use, street harassment, and gender-based discrimination. To combat these insecurities, the central image of a girl hugging herself declares "Love your mind, your body, your soul." Scenes framed by a complex braid design depicts moments when self-love might be difficult. This mural captures the importance of empowering young women to love themselves. Natalie, one of the youth artists on the project, said about her experience working on the mural: When I first joined this program, I thought oh I probably wont come back. But I realized working with my team that this was a great opportunity for the community. The more I come, the more I find people I like. I can share my feelings and experiences with other girls, and they do the same with me. We come together. I feel like we are all open minded and caring with one another now.