2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the Wall of Respect, created by a group of Chicago artists from the Organization of Black American Culture.This Wall revitalized the neighborhood and gave birth to a national community mural movement.

Honoring the spirit of the Wall,The Jewish Community Center and local partners have created a room-sized, portable, interactive installation celebrating  not only African Americans but Native American, Jewish, African American,Latino/Hispanic & Asian cultures as well. Ours is not a static mural, but a 12' yurt, or circular tent. The vertical walls, containing cultural words, images and symbols, is painted by a team of local professional artists representing the five featured cultures, while the roof was drawn by professionals and painted by people of all ages in different metro locations. Completion required two years, over a dozen community partners and the participation of  over 150 people.

The Wall opens to the public on Thursday, August 9, 7pm at the Jewish Community Center, 5801 W 115th Street. Free and open to people of all ages, it will feature, in addition to a "reveal" of the yurt, a video of the process, talk back with educators and artists, hands-on activities during which the public is invited to contribute items to the installation, and an ethnic finger food buffet.