Black History Month Highlight: Cedric Michael Cox’s ‘From Enslavement to Emancipation: Sky’s The Limit’

ArtWorks has recently completed projects celebrating Black History. Walnut Hills hosts one of the projects, a mural designed by Cedric Michael Cox. Cox was selected as a designer after Model Group approached ArtWorks to create a mural on their development of the site of the Manse Hotel. This historical hotel was listed safe lodgings for African American travelers, listed in Victor Green’s “Negro Motorist Green Book”.

In response to the opportunity to bring public art to this historically Black community, Cox produced, From Enslavement to Emancipation: Sky’s The Limit. The vibrant and colorful work of art was completed by Teaching Artist, Adoria Maxberry of Most OutGROWing, and seven Youth Apprentices. The project was generously supported by the City of Cincinnati’s Youth to Work program, Procter and Gamble and Lauren Hannan Shafer and Tom Shafer. See the masterpiece below.

Materials from the Youth Apprentice Presentation.

Designer Cedric Michael Cox watching the Youth Apprentice Presentation.

Senior Director of Impact, Sydney Fine, giving press interview.

Youth Apprentice Marin Emanuel painting.

Lead Teaching Artist, Adoria Maxberry, painting

Senior Apprentice, LaDe Richardson working on mural.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Manse building.

Pictured (L-R): Designer - Cedric Michael Cox, Lead Teaching Artist - Adoria Maxberry, Senior Apprentice - LaDe Richardson, and Project Manager - Devin Grimm.

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About ArtWorks

ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that transforms people and places through investments in creativity. The organization collaborates with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations and nonprofits to build creative works of art that bolster the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks employs professional artists who inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, ages 14-21, helping them build 21st century career-readiness skills. These teams have completed more than 14,000 public and private art projects in its 25 years, including more than 200 permanent outdoor murals. Learn more at ArtWorksCincinnati.org.