A haunting gaze pierces through the vibrant colors. It’s Malice Green staring down from Way Too Many. This isn’t just a mural it’s a monument.
Way Too Many is a massive memorial in Highland Park. It covers the exterior of the Hamilton Tucker Art Gallery. Artist Sydney G James created it. She wanted to honor Malice Green a Black man killed by police in 1992. His death became a symbol of police brutality in Detroit. The mural stands where a previous memorial once stood a testament to the community’s enduring memory.
The mural depicts Green as if he were a sculpture. His powerful gaze is unforgettable. Black tears trace the contours of his eyes. These honor Bennie White Jr’s original memorial. That earlier artwork was destroyed when the building it adorned was demolished.
Green’s hands clutch a long scroll. It’s filled with the names of victims of police brutality. Names like Aiyana Jones Eric Garner and George Floyd. The title Way Too Many speaks volumes. It acknowledges the countless lives lost.
The mural’s creation was a whirlwind. James launched a GoFundMe campaign. She raised $10000 for paint and equipment. She even exceeded her goal. She then donated the extra funds to Black Youth Power 100 a youth activist organization.
James worked with a team of queer-identifying artists. Bakpak Durden Ijania Cortez and Cyrah Powers assisted her. This collaboration highlights Detroit’s diverse artistic community.
Way Too Many was completed in a week. It’s a powerful response to police brutality. It’s also a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Detroit’s community.
The mural’s unveiling was a community event. People came to honor Green and reflect on his legacy. His family including his niece Kiersten Cheateum and sister Triese Cheateum attended. For them the mural is a lasting tribute to a loved one. It ensures Malice Green will always be remembered in Detroit. Way Too Many is a symbol of resilience and remembrance. It serves as a reminder of the fight for justice.