Councilman Kazy Sponsors Mural Celebrating People With Disabilities

Mar 21, 2021

Councilman Brian Kazy, joined by a number of civic organizations, is leading an effort to create a giant outdoor mural entitled “More Alike than Different” celebrating individuals with disabilities.

Councilman Kazy hosted the kick-off of the project at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 21, at West 161^st Street and Puritas Avenue. March 21^st is also World Down Syndrome Day.

“People with developmental disabilities are more alike than different,” said Councilman Kazy, who represents Ward 16. “We see many wonderful murals throughout the city representing all types of races, creeds and nationalities and this is our way of displaying support for an underserved and underrecognized community that needs just as much support as any other.”

The mural will wrap the corner of Puritas Avenue and W.161 Street.

The event features prepping and priming of the mural, which includes over 50 panels designed by local artist Garrett Weider measuring 4 feet by 10 feet. Groups and individuals that have donated to establish the mural, including Up Side of Downs, the Cleveland Browns, Bellaire Puritas Community Development Corp., Sherwin-Williams, Global Cleveland and Hyland Software, have an opportunity to also help paint the mural and add quotes to it.

In addition to celebrating those with developmental disabilities, organizers hope this mural will beautify this industrial area and help to deter tagging on a corner that is often marred by graffiti.

The project will be completed by the fall, with a planned closing ceremony at the mural Oct. 12^th , which is Cleveland Down Syndrome Day. This will be the largest permanent mural of this type in Ohio and one of the largest in the country.