Braxton stated that his piece, which covers a portion of the Center for Community Production building in downtown Jackson, “what is within you, you can make,” Braxton was one of six artists Cooperation Jackson hired to create murals at the first Mural Fest. This event aims to inspire Jackson with art, in the hopes of creating community change as well as encouraging art appreciation. From a lot of applicants, Jackson, Nashville, and Chicago were selected to paint murals that depict images of Afrofuturism or Native peoples on Cooperation Jackson-owned buildings. Mural Fest aims to promote positive images and beautify the city. Cooperation Jackson member Shamb’e Jones stated that people are seeing different things in areas that aren’t necessarily the most desirable. Mural Fest’s mission is to use Mural Fest’s images and concepts as a solution to problems in the city. The city has been plagued by blight and record-breaking homicides. Braxton stated that one of the reasons we make this art is to teach the next generation that you don’t have to conform to your environment. “Just because there are negative things in your neighborhood doesn’t mean you have to be like them. This is why we do Afrofuturism. Futurism is about the children coming in to see what they can do.” Some murals also depict Afrofuturism and Native Americans. Krystal Jackson asks the question, “What does the future look like if there is no gender barrier?” The pieces can be found between West Monument Street and Capitol Street in Jackson. Bright colors bring life and awareness to an area with many businesses, family homes, homeless shelters, vacant lots, and potholes. The murals were created to be juxtaposed with the surrounding environment and to inspire Barr Elementary students as well as other residents. Cooperation Jackson’s mission is “to advance the development of economic democracy” in Jackson. It plans to host Mural Fest every other year. Shamb’e Jones stated that they will continue to do this in the future. “We want the art and artists to be encouraged.” _x000D