JTOH Cultural Expressions 

Mile High 360

998 Navajo St. Denver, CO

Teacher: Abbey Drake
Mile High 360 Site

Mile High 360 Mural 2021: Two Sides

Mile 360 Mural 2021: Two Sides

Synopsis of 'Two Sides' Mural

Our mural displays how those in power commonly view marginalized peoples as opposed to how they view themselves. We have divided the mural in half using black and white. The face is looking towards all of the identifiers that are commonly associated with POC (People of Color), Minorities, Immigrants, Indigenous peoples). Behind the face, we take a glimpse into how that marginalized person sees themself as a unique and prideful individual who has overcome many obstacles, not only in today’s society, but throughout time. (“See me for who I am”). This is the brighter, more colorful side of a person that is not seen through a stereotypical view. We have included a number of meaningful and sacred components that make a person who they are, more than “just a Minority”, which include ancestors, traditions, family, language, foods, everything that comes together to form one’s culture.

We also have included a timeline highlighting crucial moments throughout history that have contributed to the oppression that we see today. We want to emphasize the significance of the moments in time that are meant to be erased as we refuse to stand by and let such tragedies be forgotten about. We aim to shed light on the “taboo” subjects or what those in power have done in order to obtain and remain in control of their patriarchal society. 
Fact 1

In the past, banks have been known to deny loans to people of color, in fact they would have rather given loans to poorer white families rather than wealthier people of color. This is only one of the many acts of discrimination POC have faced throughout the years. “The Associated Press - showed black applicants were turned away at significantly higher rates than whites in 48 cities”, Glantz, Martinez 2018, https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-modern-day-redlining-20180215-story.html
Fact 2

In today's current climate, stereotypes are alive and well. Stereotypes are based off of what we THINK a certain group acts or thinks like, many of the times the deeper, rooted traditions and cultures of that very group are overseen by these stereotypes. “Results show that white Americans hold more positive associations for other white Americans than they do for Black individuals.” Wadden, Pipitone, 019. https://theconversation.com/american-society-teaches-everyone-to-be-racist-but-you-can-rewrite-subconscious-stereotypes-141676  
Fact 3

Although not as prominent not physically apparent, systemic racism is alive and well. Throughout the years laws have been changed and implemented, but when looking at a timeline there are still inequalities regarding people of color and their access to education, money, jobs, etc. “A quarter of the schools with the highest percentage of Black and Latino students did not offer Algebra II (source). A third of these schools did not offer chemistry 12. Schools in mainly white neighborhoods received $2,200 more per student than nonwhite schools in the school year 2015-2016.Hispanic women earn only 54 cents for every dollar earned by white men”  Burton,2020

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/100-statistics-prove-systemic-racism-thing-kelly-burton-phd?articleId=68465266478723073

Mile High 360 poems

Daniel Grade 12

Covid is tough. When the virus first started, and people didn’t know what to do, it was tough. People didn’t know at first if it would kill you Or if it would change your life forever. I’ve been exposed a lot, But the many times I’ve been exposed, I’ve never had it. It impacted my family because we had a few deaths in my family. It impacted my school because I was distracted I didn’t do my classes because it was virtual and not in person My grandma had Covid My grandma from my mom’s side, not the one on dialysis And when she had it she was very sick But she didn’t die. The food tasted bitter. And she slept a lot. It cancelled a big birthday that I was supposed to have, my 18th My mom was going to do a surprise birthday She couldn’t. There’s been a lot of mental crisis Lots of suicides If they already started in a bad position before the virus started. *Shrug* I don’t know what to say about that really, But it’s not good. The economy shut down because people were staying home. Alone. Since they didn’t know if it would be safe to go out A lot of people became homeless. They couldn’t pay their rent anymore - Whether they got fired or lost their job Just like I did, from my lifeguard job. My hope is that the virus will end. And the vaccine will be working.

    Nasly Grade 6

    In my childhood Loving my moms food Loving candy and crafts Always loving to play in my backyard Loving to go to school and seeing my friends Wanting to go to the park in the afternoons Loved going to museums and zoos with my mom Thought to be kind to everyone no matter what they have been through

    Anna L. Grade 8

    I wonder why some people don't like books I wonder why some people don't like exploring new ideas and stories I wonder why tales of mystical creatures are boring to some I wonder why something outside of the ordinary is frightening And I don't understand why exploring another world takes so much perseverance.

    Aria Spears Grade: 11th

    I don’t know why people can’t go to hospitals when they need help I don’t know why adults and teenagers my age have to go hungry to feed younger siblings I don’t know why I have to go in debt to get a higher education to try to follow my dreams and to make my family proud I don’t know why society only thinks I look beautiful if I have 36-24-36 hourglass figure and a perfectly symmetrical face I don’t know why it’s hard to find motivation to get out of bed everyday I don’t know why it’s hard to not procrastinate on my school work and to instead want to bake or read a book or to go on a walk I don’t know why I feel nervous and scared every time my school goes under lockdown I don’t know why women and young girls from age 6 to 90 have to be afraid of walking alone at night with their keys between their fingers I don’t know why I get anxious reading the news everyday I don’t know why over 2 million people have died from covid-19 in less than a year I don’t know why everyone can’t work together to make the world a better place

    Angel: Grade 12

    Easily angered , unsure what to do Disconnected from feeling ensured Confused? Beautiful life, family, love, freedom and secured What’s wrong? Just whatever. It’ll go back. Our lives will change We will learn to love and live

    Lyneaus Serrano 10th grade

    Pizza is life, pizza is love, especially with all of the ingredients above The cheese, the pepperoni and the crust Pizza when your hungry will always be a must If anyone buys me pizza, that’s a person I can trust Pepporoni pizza will always be the best If you doubt that we can put it to the test