By Darla Shelden, Metropolis Sentinel Reporter —
OKLAHOMA CITY — There’s a brand new mural at Oklahoma Metropolis’s Plaza District created via the “With Love Undertaking” spotlighting the case of Julius Jones who has been on Oklahoma’s demise row for practically 20 years.
Jones, 40, was convicted and sentenced to demise for the 1999 deadly capturing of Paul Howell, a businessman from Edmond, however he has all the time maintained his innocence.
On March 8, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board agreed to maneuver ahead to a “Stage Two” listening to which can overview Jones’ commutation utility someday in June.
Over six million individuals have signed a Change.org petition asking the Pardon and Parole Board and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to commute Jones’ sentence.
Jones’ case has garnered help from celebrities together with activist Kim Kardashian West, famend demise penalty legal professional Bryan Stevenson, NBA gamers Russell Westbrook, Trae Younger, and Blake Griffin and Dallas Cowboy quarterback Dak Prescott.
The “With Love Undertaking” is a collaboration between native activist and hip-hop artist, Jabee Wlliams, and the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate (OMS) the nonprofit that manages the Plaza Partitions, one in all Oklahoma Metropolis’s prime places for public artwork.
OMS was based by Brandi Guthery, Dylan Bradway and Kristopher Kanaly with a mission to advocate and create public artwork all through Oklahoma.
Final summer time, Jabee and OMS started growing concepts find out how to amplify Black voices and artists of shade via the Jap hall of twenty third Road. This month, the Julius Jones mural was accomplished with the assistance of Mensa, artist Tony Thunders and others.
Research present that murals construct a way of neighborhood and may make an space extra welcoming and walkable, whereas selling native expertise.
Cece Jones Davis, activist and founding father of the Julius Jones Coalition posted on Fb on April 12, “Large thanks to Vic Mensa for commissioning this mural in help of #JuliusJones. A particular shout out to the artist Tony Thunder for this unbelievable work, and to Jabee Williams and Tricia Webber in your help and advocacy of Julius’ behalf.
“Cease by the Plaza Partitions within the Plaza District in Oklahoma Metropolis on sixteenth Road to take a look at this highly effective tribute to the combat for Julius’ freedom,” she added.
Mensa is a Chicago rapper, singer, songwriter and activist at the moment signed to Roc Nation.
“The truth that artists are utilizing their platform and assets to assist save my brother, Julius Jones, is unbelievable,” Jabee instructed The Metropolis Sentinel. “I used to be completely happy to work with Vic Mensa to create one thing that honors our battle for justice.”
“Murals are a beautiful software for bettering any visible panorama. From a place-making and enterprise perspective, they supply an enormous return for a small funding,” stated Kris Kanaly, president of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate. “Additionally they give communities a way of possession, present a beacon for tourism, and provides a novel id to their environment.”
Jabee stated, “Being from the Eastside of Oklahoma Metropolis, I are typically concerned in artwork initiatives and occasions in different areas of the town. ‘With Love’ is one thing for my neighborhood to like and embrace with Black artists expressing their totally different types reflecting neighborhood tradition and satisfaction.
“Our neighborhood has a number of the most creative individuals within the metropolis who’re on the forefront of creativity,” Jabee added.
Jillian Taylor of the OU Each day wrote: “All through his profession, Williams has been a vocal social activist in Oklahoma — talking on behalf of the Black neighborhood via his music and bringing consciousness to the story of demise row inmate and former OU pupil Julius Jones.”
Jabee has been a passionate advocate for Jones and his combat for innocence, creating the Stroll for Julius from the Oklahoma State Capitol and ending at McAlester jail the place Julius is on demise row, in addition to writing the tune “Till You’re Free” about Jones.
To be taught extra concerning the Julius Jones case, go to justiceforjuliusjones.com. For extra details about the “With Love Undertaking”, name Kris Kanaly at 503-729-8065.
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