Crystal's Champions

CRYSTAL’S CHAMPIONS

Wak’ó Mujeres Phu

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nu Women Mural

Fourteen women and three girls changed the landscape of the Lawrence Public Library this Summer. This ambitious project originated from a chance trip to Watson Museum by one of the founders, Connie Fiorella Fitzpatrick. Upon arrival, Connie began searching in the Women in History section, and she realized there were no faces that looked like hers. The museum lacked information on the Women of Color who helped make Lawrence the wonderful community it is today. After research, grants, countless city commission meetings, permits, and the meeting of fans

and foes along the way, Connie - along with these brave women and young girls - stayed the course. After three weeks of community painting and priming - and three months of political persistence - they created a beautiful masterpiece that illustrates the stories and the journey behind Womxn of Color. For additional information on this mural, as well as the lovely ladies that helped bring this important history to the forefront, check out their website at wocmural.com/theteam.

Wak’ó: Representing the indigenous womxn of Kanza.

Mujeres: Spanish, the second most spoken language in KS.

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Phu . nu: Vietnamese, the third most spoken language in KS.

Thank you from all of us at The Spot Mag and Crystal’s Champions - for taking the time, persevering through every obstacle, and creating such a vibrant piece of art that conveys the impact of these unsung heroes. We salute you!

Crystal’s Champions is dedicated to strong and inspirational women and organizations that are making a difference in the community. To nominate a champion, email us at women@thespot.mag.

Addie Mehl, Aminah (youth), Connie Fiorella Fitzpatrick, Imani Wadud, Iris Nicole Cliff, Ivory (youth), Jasmine Deng, Leah Evans, Marylin Hinojosa, Mónica Carvajal Regidor, NedRa Bonds, Nia (youth), Nohemi Alvarez-Landa, Sandra Yoder, Sierra Two Bulls, Vanessa Reynaga, Yueyang (Sally) Jiang. Photos by Leah Evans.