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Tamiko Singleton
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Achievement Preparatory Academy Presents, “D.C Proud,” a Mural Dedicated to Inspiring Ward 8 and Honoring D.C.’s Dynamic History

Achievement Prep Public Charter School Partners with Art of Yungai to Illustrate
D.C.’s History on the School’s Walls

September 25, 2020 – Achievement Prep, a public charter school in Washington, D.C., has partnered with Muhammad Yungai of Art of Yungai to create an inspiring mural titled, “D.C. Proud” to welcome scholars when they return to the campus and serve as a reminder for scholars to “love who they are and where they’re from.” The mural illustrates inspiring messages through famous D.C. landmarks and historical kingdoms. “D.C. Proud” is the fourth mural installation from Yungai for the school.

Yungai worked closely with Shantelle Wright, Founder and CEO of Achievement Prep, to decide on the aspirational messages painted on the signs held by children who represent Achievement Prep’s scholars.

Smiling faces and powerful statements like “I am the Dream” and “I am Brilliant” command attention as the mural’s focal point.  On the righthand side, there are famous D.C. landmarks like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the “Big Chair,” a Southeast D.C. landmark.   On the left, the mural draws similarities between D.C. and African monuments like the Washington Monument and an Egyptian obelisk.

“I am proud to partner with Muhammad Yungai and use our walls to affirm our scholars and their powerful identities. These murals reflect who they are, where they come from, the power they possess to change the world, and the awesome shoulders they stand on – especially during this time of social injustice,” said Ms. Wright. “This visual representation of our history encourages our scholars to believe in themselves and counteract negative messages from the media.”

Yungai worked with the school for three previous murals of inspiration that include Achievement Prep’s scholars, African American leaders, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and important Black History moments. The newest mural, “D.C. Proud,” is approximately 2,400 square feet and spans the length of the multi-purpose room, the largest communal space at the Wahler Place Elementary School Campus.

Muhammad Yungai is a self-taught artist whose journey to become a muralist began as an art teacher for in the Atlanta charter school system. Yungai started work as an art teacher in 2007, where he found purpose in creating art that enlivens positive self-images in children. Impressed by his talent and ability to impact students through his work, Yungai’s school principal asked him to create a mural for its campus. As a result, other schools followed suit, and in 2016, Yungai decided to pursue murals full time.

“When a teacher needs to have a chat with a student, they bring them to the halls. Having a child surrounded by positive imagery while being corrected has a serious impact on that child’s  ability to believe in himself or herself to make positive change,” said Yungai. “As a teacher, it was important that my students understood I’m there to teach them, but it’s their responsibility to learn. My work with schools supports my belief that if children understand why education is important, they will believe they are important, learn to love themselves, and live their dreams.”

Hi-Res photos of “D.C. Proud” are available for download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10FTZ3xHuAkXcB1ZSMuZkAoF35jE7dI5o/view.

About Achievement Prep, PCS
Since 2008, Achievement Prep has been preparing scholars to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders in high school, college, and beyond. We believe in developing and fostering strong character in our scholars. Our scholars focus on the development and practice of Achievement Prep’s DREAM values (determination, respect, enthusiasm, accountability, and mastery). Parents are our partners, and our partnership is the foundation for the ecosystem of support that will enhance our scholars’ academic experience. At Achievement Prep we are transforming tomorrow today. For more information visit www.achievementprep.org.