 This amazing piece of art behind me by by our very own Isha Charles tells the story of the African-American business community in Columbia before the end of segregation of thriving amazing community just to the west of me of Washington Street Where there were African-American entrepreneurs? My name is Isha Charles I am a self-taught artist here from Columbia, South Carolina and also a mirrorless as you see behind me This is the Black Wall Street mural this was something that was buried in history as far as our history because I didn't even know We had a Black Wall Street So to create something recreating something that had already been here has been a huge accomplishment and great thing for me to do Miss Charles has captured the essence the vibrancy and the substance of the African-American movement in the city of Columbia this mural Sort of signifies and symbolizes the struggles of opportunity It is amazing That folk would remember this symbol I'm just thrilled that our mayor and council had The thoughtfulness to do such a project that I think for years to come will pay tribute to African-American culture and the history That our wonderful city has had for all these years the inspiration for commission murals I think came from Mayor Benjamin who who wanted to present Murals that represented the African-American experience in Columbia that led to a conversation I think by city council as a whole along with Dr. Bobby Donaldson as we thought about the Significance of the placement of that building for channel one that corner was the gateway to the African-American business district the 1100 the 10 hundred and the 900 blocks of Washington Street bringing history African-American history to the doorsteps of our communities to help educate our young people to help them Understand the history that has taken place. I think was very impactful So we're excited about this and looking forward to adding not just to the physical beauty aesthetic beauty of Columbia for years to come But also telling our story in the way that we want our story told our story matters and this is a part of that story