United Way, a longtime community partner of Olivet, hosted a mural design competition last spring to create a public symbol of the community’s commitment to racial equity. Allison (Beecher) Freytes ’15 submitted the winning design, which she also painted with the help of Olivet students and staff. The mural debuted on the side of the Mi Casa Authentic Mexican Cuisine restaurant on Oct. 26.
“I chose the phrase ‘We are stronger together’ and translated it into the most common languages spoken in the central Illinois region, putting them into different fonts to further represent the beauty in our diversity,” she says. “The world can be ugly, full of prejudice and hate, and I think it’s our job as community members to show our commitment toward equity. Whether that’s by making art, giving support to those in need, listening to those who are affected by injustice — we all have a role to play, and we are truly stronger when we stand together.”
At Olivet, Allison studied Spanish education. She now teaches Spanish at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School and is pursuing a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics.
For more information about the Department of English & Modern Languages, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published 11/05/2021
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