LEXINGTON, Ky. — A mural honoring a well-known community activist is in the works in Lexington.


What You Need To Know

  • A new mural is going up at Duncan Park

  • The mural is dedicated to Anita Franklin, a community activist

  • Franklin died in Feb. 2020

  • She began her community work after she lost her son to gun violence seven years ago

A mural depiction of Anita Franklin at Duncan Park. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)

It's dedicated to Anita Franklin, who became a fierce community advocate after losing her son to gun violence.

“I believe she meant a lot to the community,” said Ricardo Franklin, Anita’s 22-year-old son.

Ricardo expressed his mother's legacy during the unveiling the mural at Duncan Park.

“She was a nurse so my mother just always had a caring heart, and she had a passion for the elderly, so she wants to give back and that trickled over into the community as well,” Ricardo said.

Anita passed away in February 2020 of natural causes.

Seven years ago, Anita lost her son Antonio to gun violence at Duncan Park. Ricardo said Antonio was a bystander and accidentally became the target.

“She wanted sheriff there, she wanted a law enforcement officer there and she called on Sheriff Witt and they just formed a loving relationship with each other,” Ricardo said.

That moment ignited Anita, who became a fierce activist against gun violence and joined the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.

Artist Keaton Young paints on the side wall of the mural. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)

 

Anita worked tirelessly to spread the message and the need for community dialogue around the reduction of gun violence. She connected others along her journey.

“I hope you never know anybody else ever knows this. Too many parents, grandparents, parents, and families that are experiencing the same thing, and I don't know, it just seems like it's more and more lately. It needs to stop,” said Jackie Shannon, who lost her grandson to gun violence.

Anita's daughter helps contribute to the mural. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)

The work left behind by Anita is picked up by Ricardo, who now works at the Sheriff’s Office, and his sister who carry on her purpose.

“Her mission was not only to protect her children but other people's children. My mom always talked about a village, and she said everyone needs their aunties and uncles as well too,” Ricardo said. “So she was very strong on that. I believe she meant a lot to the community.”

The creation of the mural by artist Keaton Young aims to capture the essence of Franklin's peace walks and her non-violent nature.

“This mural that’s going up for my mom, my brother, Antonio Franklin just means really a lot to us and we can't thank Keaton enough for putting it together. I'm glad I'm able to help out on it,” Ricardo said.

The mural is funded through the non-profit organization LexArts. They're seeking donations to help finish the project.