DTE Funds New Community Murals at Detroit Substation
New murals now decorate DTE’s Promenade substation at the corner of Harper and Van Dyke. The colorful artwork displays the faces of Detroit locals, including neighbors, mentors, and community leaders. Artist Nicole Macdonald mixed modern designs with local heroes on the concrete walls. In addition to her artwork, Phillip Simpson captured the stories of piano prodigy Noire Tansil and young scholar Jae’dan Douglas.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Marvis Cofield said, “There’s the saying: ‘You be who you see.’ These are heroes and ‘she-roes.'” As founder of Alkebu-lan Village, he views these painted walls as sources of inspiration, showing kids what they can become.
Alkebu-lan Village’s Gregory McKenzie explains that the artwork draws from an old African principle. He references Sankofa, a Swahili lesson about using the past to guide the future.
At the reveal, martial arts students were thrilled to see their community members featured in the artwork. They eagerly pointed out familiar faces, recognizing friends and neighbors in the paintings. Peyton Calloway, who is painted in the mural, told the Detroit Free Press, “She likes seeing the mural of herself. She said it’s cool. She said she feels good.”
Located at this busy intersection, these vibrant murals now catch everyone’s attention, whether walking by or driving past.
