750 sq ft mural depicting a “Black Angel” blends the colors of the American flag and the African American flag now appears at historic site of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park (HAAMP)
Haverstraw, NY – A vibrant and culturally significant mural has transformed the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, drawing the eyes of locals and visitors alike. “Freedom Colors,” a 750-square-foot mural by acclaimed Turkish muralist Sitki Dogan, now adorns the park, blending the colors of the American flag with the African American flag in a striking depiction of a “Black Angel.” This mural is part of a broader initiative by Haverstraw Riverwide Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural enrichment and community engagement through the arts.
The mural’s unveiling marks the culmination of a months-long Call for Artists, initiated last fall by Haverstraw Riverwide Arts and supported by a grant from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) of the State of New York. This funding makes Riverwide Arts the first non-profit to receive such support from the DRI, highlighting the importance of arts in community revitalization efforts.
Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, located at 41 Clinton St., was chosen as the site for this significant piece of public art. The park is a collaboration between the Haverstraw African American Connection and the Village of Haverstraw, aimed at honoring the African American history and heritage of the area.
Sitki Dogan, whose career spans over two decades and includes murals in urban landscapes worldwide, expressed his honor in being selected for this project. “My goal was to tell the story of the African American connection to the development and history of Haverstraw. I hope the art speaks to that,” said Dogan.
The selection process for the mural was thorough and competitive. Managed by WeStaf/CaFe` for Riverwide Arts, it attracted more than 25 applicants from 10 states and Australia. A judging panel consisting of local art administrators, businesspeople, professional artists, and Riverwide Arts board members reviewed 248 images before selecting Dogan’s vision as the most fitting for the project.
The mural has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Haverstraw community. Residents have praised it as a significant addition to both the park and the village, reflecting a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical narratives it portrays.
“This is truly a manifestation of what Haverstraw Riverwide Arts is all about – supporting our community, other organizations here and bringing people together to stimulate dialogue – through the Arts,” said Andrea Caccuro, Vice President of Haverstraw Riverwide Arts. She also hinted at more to come, with the next Call for Artists to be announced in the coming months.
To celebrate the mural and its message, a special ceremony coinciding with Juneteenth will be held on Saturday, June 15th at 3:00 pm at the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park. The event will feature local and state officials and include the unveiling of a statue of Harriet Tubman, adding another layer of historical significance to the site.
For more information about Haverstraw Riverwide Arts, future Call for Artists, and upcoming events, please visit Haverstraw Riverwide Arts.