A new crosswalk mural in Greensboro will honor the city's indigenous past, present and future

A new crosswalk mural in Greensboro’s Glenwood neighborhood will be unveiled tonight. The artwork pays tribute to area residents past and present from the Indigenous Native American community.

Local artist and educator, Tamra Hunt, is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. When she was approached by Creative Greensboro about the mural project, she shared her vision of highlighting local Native American history and culture. For material she hosted storytelling events at the People’s Market —collecting stories and eventually weaving their themes into her work. The result: three powerful symbols set against a bright turquoise background — an eagle feather, hair braid, and two human figures standing side by side. Hunt says common themes included family and growing in community with others.

"Hearing the stories, there was a sense of pride, there was a sense of protectiveness, and a sense of this type of hope and love that even today the families want to continue to say, you know, ‘We’re still here, and family, tradition and culture are very important,'" says Hunt.

The mural at the intersection of Haywood and Neal Streets is approximately 35 feet long and 12 feet wide. A traditional ceremony honoring it with music, guest speakers and remarks by representatives of the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will be held Friday night in Greensboro.