From Weeksville to Kingsborough: Still We Rise
Project Details
From Weeksville to Kingsborough: Still We Rise is a community-created mural celebrating the history, culture, and resilience of the Kingsborough Houses community. Created in partnership with residents, local artists, and community organizations, the mural honors the neighborhood’s connections to the historic communities of Weeksville and Crown Heights while reflecting the voices and experiences of Kingsborough residents today.
The mural was designed and led by Gerard Pefung and Greg Roberson. It replaces Weeksville: Past Forward (2006), which was removed during rehabilitation of the frieze wall.
Client: Kingsborough Houses, The Community Fund, NYCHA and Community Partners
Lead Artist: Gerard Pefung
Assistant Artist: Greg Roberson
Timeline: October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Funding Support: The Mellon Foundation
The project is part of a larger public art initiative that also supported the restoration of Exodus and Dance, the installation of Migration, and an oral history project documenting community stories and experiences.
Process
The mural was developed through a community-centered engagement process led by PHCF and Fulton Art Fair. Residents participated in listening sessions, storytelling conversations, brainstorming activities, and collaborative drawing exercises held at the Weeksville Heritage Center.
Through these workshops, community members shared memories, ideas, symbols, and themes that reflected their collective history and aspirations. These contributions informed a series of sketches, studies, and concept renderings that were presented for feedback before the final design was approved and painted.
Every element within the mural—from its imagery and symbolism to its words and visual narratives—draws directly from the voices and experiences of Kingsborough residents.
Outcome
Inspired by the artistic vision of Richmond Barthé, From Weeksville to Kingsborough: Still We Rise reflects the strength, perseverance, traditions, and achievements of the Kingsborough community. The mural serves as a lasting tribute to the people whose stories continue to shape the neighborhood and its future.
The project is complemented by Migration, a public art installation featuring 35 illuminated steel sculptures distributed throughout the 16-acre campus. Together, these works amplify the voices, memories, and aspirations of Kingsborough residents while honoring their enduring legacy.
Gallery
The gallery below features photographs of the completed mural alongside concept sketches, design studies, and preliminary renderings developed throughout the creative process. These materials document the evolution of the project from community engagement and early ideas to the final installation.
