On April 2, students and staff from three Brooklyn schools — P.S. 130, P.S. 052, and M.S. 839 — came together to celebrate inclusion, neurodiversity, and autism awareness in a colorful and meaningful way. With the help of artist Kyle Holbrook, they unveiled a vibrant new mural created by the community, for the community.
A Mural Created by Many, for All
The project brought together more than 1,500 students, teachers, nurses, faculty, and even security guards, who all took part in painting the mural. Each brushstroke was more than just paint — it was a symbol of unity, acceptance, and shared effort. Holbrook, who leads the MLK Mural Project, described the experience as a hands-on example of what inclusion should look like in schools and society.
The mural itself features bright, dynamic images of people of all races, ages, and abilities, showing how diverse our communities truly are. But the final picture isn’t the only thing that matters — it’s the collaborative process that made the project so special. Students of all abilities worked side-by-side, proving that art can be a powerful tool for connection and awareness.
More Than Just Paint — A Message of Unity
This mural is one piece of a larger five-borough project led by Holbrook. His goal is to spread messages of inclusion and unity across all parts of New York City. Speaking about the importance of projects like this, Holbrook said, “Everyone in America, especially in the current political climate, should feel like they’re included, whether you have a disability or not.”
His belief is simple but powerful: Everyone deserves the chance to be a part of something meaningful, including art. By giving students and staff the opportunity to contribute to this project, the schools have taken a strong step toward building a more inclusive and understanding environment.
A Day to Remember
Unveiled on World Autism Awareness Day, the mural stands as a lasting reminder of the importance of acceptance, representation, and celebrating differences. For many of the students involved, it was their first time participating in a public art project — and the pride they felt in seeing their work on display was clear.
By encouraging students to express themselves creatively and work together, the event did more than raise awareness — it created a sense of belonging and pride in the school communities.
The new mural at P.S. 130, P.S. 052, and M.S. 839 is more than just a piece of art — it’s a message of hope and unity. Created by people of all backgrounds and abilities, the mural celebrates the beauty of inclusion and the power of coming together. Thanks to Kyle Holbrook and the MLK Mural Project, Brooklyn students now have a bold and beautiful reminder that every voice matters — and every hand can help paint a brighter future.
