Republican News · Thursday 22 August 2002

Malcolm X speaks to North Belfast

BY LAURA FRIEL

Mike Alewitz of the American based Labour Art and Mural Project has travelled the world bringing his street paintings of working class issues to countries as diverse as Iraq and Germany. Inspired by the images of Holy Cross, this summer Mike came to North Belfast to share his visual message of international solidarity and struggle with the people of Ardoyne.

As a political muralist Mike has a formidable reputation both within the USA and internationally. His most famous work, the Pathfinder mural in New York, reproduced on numerous posters and book covers, has become an image instantly recognisable in many countries throughout the world.

Denied expression in most mainstream mediums, Mike sees mural art as an important mechanism through which working people can address political and economic marginalisation.

"It's working people talking to the world," says Mike. The main focus of Mike's art has been the depiction of labour issues and union struggles but for North Belfast he chose Malcolm X as his theme for the mural.

"Malcolm X was the greatest voice of Black nationalism," says Mike, "but he was also an internationalist. He understood the interconnection between nationalism and internationalism. I hope that the imagery will encourage people to read Malcolm X not just as an American leader but as a World leader."

But Mike has already been pleasantly surprised by how many ordinary people in North Belfast recognise the image. "People here already know who Malcolm X is," says Mike, "I guess that's a reflection of the level of politicisation within these communities."

The mural also includes images of Holy Cross and Little Rock. "Television footage of the children of Holy Cross being attacked as they made their way to school immediately reminded me of the image of children being confronted by an angry mob in Arkansaw," says Mike.

US President George Bush and British PM Tony Blair are also included in the mural as a couple of poodles. "I would like to take the opportunity to denounce the criminal activities of the US and Israeli government against the people of Palestine," says Mike.

Despite being sympathetic to the struggle for freedom and justice in the north of Ireland, this is the first time Mike has actually visited here to witness the ongoing problems of ordinary communities like Ardoyne.

"I didn't realise the level of segregation and victimisation," says Mike, "or the ongoing level of violence being endured by people within this community."

Mike Alewitz is travelling home from Belfast this week but his mural will ensure that while he may have gone, he will not be forgotten. And he promises to visit again.