Lifelong friends working on murals to uplift youth

Two men who have been friends for more than 50 years are currently decorating walls in Majesty Gardens, St Andrew, with the hope of steering youth in the often-volatile community from a life of crime and violence.

The murals, which are being painted by self-taught artist Ricardo 'Guzebung' Lawrence, bear words of positive affirmation in black empowerment as well as literature from Emperor Haile Selassie. It's an initiative, according to Alfred Dennis, also known as King Alpha, that may take time to resonate in the minds of the young people, who he says don't have much appreciation for philosophical teachings.

The 65-year-old businessman, a Rastafarian, said he has painfully observed that, at least for now, raving, gun violence and illicit activities have taken up root in the minds of too many residents in Majesty Gardens.

"The youths dem need something to motivate them the right way. Words, sound and power is how yuh get to the hearts and minds of people. The murals can have a similar effect," said Dennis, a father of eight children.

"When mi look around all mi a see is wayward thinking. Is like righteousness no deh bout again. So mi and mi bredrin decide say wi ago try reach di youths dem this way. So when dem a walk dem can read about powerful black people. Dem can start look inna themselves and know that they are strong," he said.

Lawrence, who said he has been a self-taught graphic artist for 55 years, echoed the sentiments of his life-long friend before claiming that his work has also inspired youths in other areas prone to violence.

"Mi get positive reaction all over Jamaica weh mi go and paint. Mi agree say the impact might not be overnight because right now the youths dem a think different things. But wi affi do it and hope say the message reach at least one and then a next one," said the 67-year-old artist.