‘Chicago P.D.’ actor moves to bring some light to Harvey
LaRoyce Hawkins funds mural project for wall in his hometown
Bright and boldly colored, a new outdoor mural in Harvey marks the first step in an effort by a now-famous former son to bring “light” to his hometown.
LaRoyce Hawkins, who spent the first half of his youth in Harvey, nowstars as officer Kevin Atwater onNBC’s “Chicago P.D.”
With help from sponsors and a group of local artists, Hawkins coordinated the painting of the Harvey World Wall mural on the side of the Restoration Ministries, 15331 Broadway Ave., in downtownHarvey.
Designed and painted by five Black artists, the mural features a morphing storyline of expression, creation, peace, culture and generosity. Covering an 80- foot concrete wall, the mural enlivens the look of a small park between buildings that features concrete planters and benches.
With fond childhood memories and family members still living nearby, Hawkins said Harvey is “where my heart is.” Though his filming schedule keeps him busy elsewhere, he visits Harvey frequently, including having monthly meetings with Mayor Christopher Clark.
“As the mayor and Imet once a month, he would unpack for me his vision for the city,” Hawkins said. “Every opportunity or windowthat I see to add light or bring balance, I domy best.”
Clark told Hawkins about his Sunday routine, which includes a visit to the park for private prayer and reflection.
That’s when Hawkins said the mural idea came into the focus. He saw the park, nestled next to a revered nonprofit organization and across the street from Harvey Municipal Plaza, as an ideal area to inject the hope through art.
“I thought that was dope. (Clark) had already lined that area up spiritually,” Hawkins said.
“That’s the perfect place for us to start attacking the city with light, in the same way it was attacked with darkness.”
While he recognized the economic difficulties faced by the city of more than 25,000 people, Hawkins said he hopes the mural offers inspiration for future greatness.
Five artists planned and painted their pieces of the mural, side by side and blending into one another.
Artist Amoz Wright curated themural project and created the piece “Talk ThatTalk” at theleft. David McCarthy painted “The Creation of lyur MJSD,” which comes next.
Nefertiti Abdulmalik’s work, “Green Harmony,” offers a powerful pastel center. An illustrator and animator by trade, Abdulmalik said she normally works alone at the computer. Though they had to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols while working, she said the environment was fun and supportive.
Next in the mural comes the piece “Change” by Dante Lyles, a Dolton resident. At the right pops “Give” by Caleb M. Harris, in bright yellowand oranges.
Despite help from the Chicago White Sox organization and SherwinWilliams in Hyde Park, Hawkins said the mural project almost foundered due to lack of funds. In a serendipitous moment, he found an uncashed check in his wallet, given as a donation to his charity organization Be Powerful.
With the newfound $2,500 in hand, the group moved forward and finished most of the mural in November. Temperatures finally dropped too low for the project to continue, but the artists will add more details in spring, then host a community debut celebration in the summer.