Creative Placemaking At William Hall Academy

Creative PlacemakingArt of Place

Apr 24

Written By Jendayi Asha

REMINISCE

Medium: Glass

STATEMENT

William Hall Academy in Capitol Heights, Maryland, mural honors Prince George’s County’s rich and complex history. Created by artist Brian Allen, the mural centers on a historic home once owned by Archibald Van Horn—a Maryland militia leader and slaveholder—whose property later served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The home also hosted notable figures such as Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat.

Allen’s artwork serves as a daily visual history lesson for students, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the painful and empowering aspects of the past. Dr. Marcie Watson-Vandiver of Towson University highlights the mural as a powerful tool for teaching inclusive narratives often overlooked in standardized education. Ultimately, the mural aims to inspire hope and resilience, reminding students that their journey is just as significant as their destination