Identidades in English No 4, December 2014 | Page 104

“From Alamar to Alphabet City: Cuban in the Heart of Pittsburgh:
Painting a Community Mural with Cuban artist David D Omni.
City of Asylum
It was a pleasant, warm day last September 20th when my wife, Ingrid, and I visited the mural created
by an interracial group of local young people, community activists, political and cultural personalities, as well as invited Cubans, but most importantly children, who felt totally at home working to
seemingly destroy the artist’s conception. David D’ Omni embraced educational work, human values
and love of neighbor to achieve so impressive a work, “Encuentros” [Encounters], under the auspices of the Platform for Cuban Integration. The mural was remarkable for its bright colors, joyfulness
and playfulness. It was also remarkable for its high quality. Ingrid and I were invited to join in the
fun and paint our own contribution. The joy can be seen on Ingrid’s face. The mural, and the day, became a metaphor for what the world can be and should be—all working together in joy and harmony
to produce something beautiful. We will never forget that d