Phoenix Community Unites to Restore Vandalized Kindness Mural

A group called the Beautify the Valley Squad created the artwork to spread a message of kindness and represent the different cultures in the community.

PHOENIX — A mural promoting kindness and Valley diversity was vandalized this week.

The artists haven’t identified the culprits, but the community responded quickly to restore it.

On the corner of 39th and Missouri Avenues in Phoenix, local art teacher Candace Greene and artist Lalo Cota, along with children and families, created a mural in the Sevilla West community a couple of years ago. It’s one of several walls they have painted.

“In the morning and after school, this is the wall that the kids walk past every day,” Greene said. “It’s a great reminder on their way to school to show kindness.”

Recently, they received unfortunate news: the mural had been defaced.

“I don’t understand those types of people,” said Katelynn Coleman, one of the original artists. “I don’t see a reason to ruin people’s art.”

“It made me upset,” Greene added. “It really breaks my heart.”

Despite the setback, the community rallied swiftly to repair the damage.

“…because some bad people put brown on it,” said Emiliano Carbajal, one of many who showed up early to help. “Sad about it… because it’s rude, because it says kindness.”

After about an hour of cleaning, the mural looked as good as new.

“Good,” Carbajal said, relieved.

The Beautify the Valley Squad remains undeterred.

“It looks so much better,” Coleman said. “I’m just glad that we don’t leave it there.”

The team has bigger plans ahead. “Some of the squad members will be going on a trip next summer to France and Italy,” Greene announced. “We’re excited to take our squad abroad and paint a mural overseas.”

Greene offered a poignant message to the vandals: “Positivity and kindness will always overcome hate.”