Houston continues to shine as a beacon of culture and history with the unveiling of three powerful murals that celebrate African American legends and their indelible impact on our nation. Among these is the striking “From Slavery to Freedom” mural, which honors the life and legacy of the courageous abolitionist Harriet Tubman. This mural is part of the Big Art. Bigger Change. series, a collaborative project between Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Street Art for Mankind (SAM), Downtown Houston+, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Unveiled on August 31st at the historic Cotton Exchange Building, where the mural now graces an exterior wall, this artwork symbolizes the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. “This work to honor Harriet Tubman and the countless other enslaved people who built our nation is part of our ongoing effort to connect the local commemoration of the legacy of slavery to national commemoration conversations,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis during the unveiling ceremony. He emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of slavery, highlighting the recent observance of Slavery Remembrance Day on August 20th, an initiative led by Congressman Al Green.

Harriet Tubman, renowned for her role in rescuing approximately 70 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad, also served as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and became a formidable activist in the women's suffrage movement. Her life is a testament to resilience, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The “From Slavery to Freedom” mural, located at 1310 Prairie St., is one of three new murals that have been added to the downtown Houston landscape. The others include a reproduction of John Biggers’ iconic “Ghana Dancers” at 1010 Lamar St. and “Greater Sisterhood” at 1302 Dallas St., a collaborative piece with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. 

Thibault and Audrey Decker, founders of Street Art for Mankind, expressed their pride in bringing these murals to life: “They are a tribute to inspiring African American legends, abolitionist Harriet Tubman and artist John Biggers. Produced in just 10 days, they are the fruit of an intense and complex collaborative work of talented duos of artists.”

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s International President Marica T. Harris added, “Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated is honored for this partnership that has resulted in a permanent piece of art that will inspire generations to come. ‘Greater Sisterhood’ is a mural that is inspired by the global work of the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.”

The addition of these murals brings the total number of artworks in the Big Art. Bigger Change. series to 47, spanning more than a mile from the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel to the Historic District and another mile from the Buffalo Bayou banks to south downtown. This project, which features the work of artists from around the globe, reflects the United Nations General Assembly’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, quality education, and climate action.

Big Art. Bigger Change. is a collaboration between Downtown Houston+ in partnership with the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the City of Houston, and corporate partner TotalEnergies. SAM, a global nonprofit organization, curated and produced the mural exhibition with the aim of raising awareness for social and environmental issues through the power of street art.

Commissioner Ellis remarked, “This series of murals is more than just creating a culture of public art or transforming downtown into an open-air museum. These murals will provide a space for Houstonians and visitors from across the globe to reach out beyond themselves, recognize a shared past, and build a more inclusive future.”

These murals stand not only as magnificent pieces of art but as enduring symbols of the resilience, teamwork, and collective history that define Houston’s vibrant community. As these murals invite reflection and dialogue, they also inspire a commitment to continue the work of building a just and inclusive society for all.

For more info, visit SGRho1922.org