Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Tim Sheehan, Rebecca Johnson School Principal Chris Sutton, and Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford joined with CommonWealth Murals Director Britt Ruhe, Springfield Cultural Council President Andrew Cade and Trust Transfer Project faculty member Vanessa Ford, along with special guest Ruth Carter who joined virtually, for an announcement to honor Springfield’s own and two-time Oscar award winner Ruth Carter with a mural dedicated at our Rebecca Johnson School.
Mayor Sarno states, “All of us here in her hometown of Springfield are so very proud of Ruth Carter and everything she has accomplished. She truly is a very talented and distinguished individual with an impressive résumé and list of accomplishments, awards and recognitions. It is only fitting that her hometown of Springfield adds to her lists of acknowledgements with a special tribute to honor and recognize her for all that she has done throughout her illustrious career. Congratulations Ruth, we are all looking forward to this special announcement – it is your time to shine once again in sending an inspiring message to all our Springfield youth that through education and hard work they can and will succeed.”
Two-time Oscar Award winner Ruth Carter said, “Art is central to my being. As a young person, it was my salvation. It nurtured my curiosity and put me on the path to making history. I’m proud to have my life story displayed on this mural and have this art inspire anyone who walks by to live their dream.”
Mayoral Aid Shenell Ford has worked closely with Ruth to facilitate this project. She stated, “I am beyond humbled and immensely grateful to coordinate this project, under Mayor Sarno’s leadership, honoring our ‘SHEroe’, Ruth E. Carter. This mural will FOREVER serve as a beautiful source of inspiration and pride for our children and the entire Springfield community.”
This artistic tribute honoring Springfield’s beloved Ruth E. Carter will be a powerful inspiration and a beacon of hope, ambition & perseverance to generations who aspire to fulfill their purpose.” said Vanessa Ford of Trust Transfer Project.
President of the Springfield Cultural Council Andrew Cade stated, “The Ruth Carter Mural in Mason Square will demonstrate to young people, if you work hard and stay focused, you can achieve great things just as Ruth Carter has. The mural will also serve as a symbol, which elevates a sense of cultural awareness, providing energy for a thriving community. I am extremely grateful to be associated with this movement.”
Thanks to our friends at Focus Springfield, you can watch the recorded announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1HwOXrP7pc
