Mural Arts and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, of the Grammy© Award-winning band The Roots, worked together to create ASpire: No Limits, a mural celebrating the life of Shawn L. “Air Smooth” White, Ph.D. who died unexpectedly in April 2013, at the age of 41.
Dr. White was a community leader, father and educator who created educational health initiatives geared toward African-American Men in Philadelphia. His work focused on HIV/AIDS and sexually-transmitted diseases.
A series of workshops, programs and community paint days accompanied the creation of the mural. Workshop topics included personal responsibility (Awareness of HIV/AIDS and sexually-transmitted diseases, as well as conflict resolution and anti-violence); wellness (holistic health promotion), and refuge (affirming oneself positively, defining personal goals, thoughtful decision-making).
ASPIRE: NO LIMITS 