Local artists partner with city to make the most out of East Lake safety initiative

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – While neighbors say they are still getting used to the barricades that are blocking over a dozen intersections now in the East Lake neighborhood, some are trying to help the city make a difference.

That includes Marquis Tucker, one of three local artists who helped paint all the barricades in East Lake.

“It felt like I have a sense of duty because we are trying to improve the neighborhood that I am currently living in and just having something tangible to see as well as be a part of is definitely really cool for me,” said Tucker.

Tucker says everything from the colors to the chosen subjects on the barriers symbolize something. The colors were chosen to grab attention and pay homage to the neighborhood’s afro-centric roots. You’ll also see children and peace lilies on the barriers to promote peace and show that gun violence will affect this generation’s youth.

The city has also added other pieces in an effort to beautify the blockages.

“It was important that when people walked outside of their front doors that they saw something that they enjoyed and that was pleasing to the eyes. So the pottery and the plants were just the icing on the cake to help make sure that this place didn’t feel like a cage,” said Birmingham Director of Process Improvement Alicia Lumpkin.

She says public works crews have been busy collecting trash in the East Lake area and that the city is collecting data on everything happening in the community. She says in the next few weeks you could potentially see more speed bumps and four way stops added to further calm traffic and while some may be inconvenienced. Marquis Tucker is just thankful the city is taking action.

“It does feel like the eyes are on us now. Like we are being seen as community versus just being a stain if you will, and I am glad that something is happening,” said Tucker.

In a couple of weeks city leaders are expected to release new numbers on how this pilot program has impacted the East Lake neighborhood.

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