genEquality Launches Inclusive Safety Mural Series as an Antidote to Gender-Based and Identity-Base

Initiative pairs artists with schools and communities to activate safety and inclusion locally

Kicks off "genEquality Upstander Pledge" to stand up against harassment and violence

Launches coloring book at barnesandnoble.com as an inclusion education resource


genEquality, a research-driven nonprofit organization focused on activating equality and inclusion through art and culture, today announced the launch of the Inclusive Safety Mural Series, a creative community engagement initiative that harnesses the power of art and community to activate us all to know, do, and be better in creating safe and inclusive communities.

The initiative brings together artists, students, educators, and NYC residents to co-create and unveil murals in each borough of New York City throughout April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

In launching the Inclusive Safety Mural Series, genEquality has teamed up with several New York City governmental agencies, including the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, the Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety, the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, the NYC Commission for Human Rights, the NYC Department of Education, and the NYC Housing Authority.

Sherry Hakimi, founder and executive director of genEquality, said, "Art is a powerful way to engage with people and ideas. Visual arts and creative activity have the ability to shift beliefs and behaviors for the better. We are thrilled to bring together so many critical stakeholders in service of advancing inclusive safety in New York City and beyond - because no matter what you look like, where you're from, and who you love, you deserve to feel safe."

"Survivors need us now more than ever in these extraordinary times," said Cecile Noel, Commissioner, NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence. "We can make a difference in the lives of survivors by offering them support, and by being upstanders to all forms of harassment and violence. The City is here for survivors during this crisis and beyond, and is proud to stand up to gender-based violence with crucial partners like genEquality."

"Healthy relationships are key to building safety in communities," said Tara Singh, Director for the Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety. "The Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety is proud to be working alongside young residents from the Stapleton and Polo Grounds communities, local artists, and genEquality to create art that truly reflects the power of strong relationships.

The first mural will be unveiled on Monday, April 12 at Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, Queens, in collaboration with Queens-based artist Anthony Posada.

The additional murals will be unveiled throughout the month of April at the following locations:

- Mott Haven, Bronx: artist Lola Lovenotes and students at International Community High School
- Flatbush, Brooklyn: artist Danielle Mastrion and students at Kurt Hahn Expeditionary High School
- Harlem, Manhattan: artist Giannina Gutierrez and residents of Polo Grounds Houses
- Stapleton Heights, Staten Island: artist La Femme Cheri and residents ofStapleton Houses

Hakimi continued: "We invite everyone to visit these works of public art, to take the genEquality Upstander Pledge, and to be part of spreading the message that we all deserve to feel safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities. Inclusive safety is something that we can only create together."

genEquality Upstander Pledge kicks off on April 1, 2021. Everyone can participate by reposting the Pledge and tagging five friends on social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The full pledge can be found atwww.genEquality.org/pledge.

In continuing its commitment to leverage creativity, community, and culture to advance equality and inclusion, genEquality also launched the genEquality Coloring Book designed for all ages, which is available for purchase at barnesandnoble.com. Proceeds from sales of this creative, educational resource will support the Inclusive Safety Mural Series initiative.

genEquality is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on a mission to activate people to achieve gender equality through beliefs & behaviors. We use research-driven behavioral insights and creative design to inspire everyone towards small behavioral changes that make a big difference. Visit www.genEquality.org to learn more, and join us in the effort to activate and advance gender equality at work, at school, at home, and everywhere in between.