A new mural has been designed at the Laurelton LIRR station to capture the legacy of local activists and inspire future change agents to take the reigns. The latest mural designed for the Laurelton LIRR station is an abstract design of the Tudor homes of Laurelton embodied by silhouettes of local activists who have been fighting to keep Laurelton beautiful for over 30 years. The local activists that are featured on the mural are, Bonnie Huie, 229 Street Block Association, Dwight Johnson, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Mike Carter, South East Queens Community Partnership, Bess DeBetham, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Robert Glover, Federated Blocks of Laurelton, Judy Rivera, Federated Blocks of Laurelton.
Many of the activists featured on the wall have been serving the community since 1972. Bess DeBetham recalls when she first joined the Federated Blocks of Laurelton in 1972. Mrs. BeDetham describes her experience of community activism as the stars aligning and allowing her to be surrounded by the right people to let her know change is possible. All of the local activists are hoping that the mural will inspire others to ask questions and continue the work.