John Carroll University: ‘Holding Space’ Mural

The grant supported a transformative initiative that engaged students in dialogue, creativity, and collaboration to celebrate and recognize diversity on our campus. Through our partnership with Cleveland-based muralist Isaiah “Starbeing” Williams for this project, the program facilitated inclusive conversations, introduced fresh perspectives, and empowered participants to create unique expressions of identity and unity. The program and outcome continue to impact students, promoting leadership, intercultural collaboration, and a culture of creativity. The outcomes exceeded our expectations, fostering a greater sense of belonging and understanding of our diverse student population.

About Isiah “Starbeing” Williams

My name is Isaiah Williams, I’m a very consistent and prolific practitioner of expressing myself through art. I have always been drawn to drawing landscapes, creatures, and modern art concepts from a young age. “As an artist, I’m actively looking for ways to inspire the youth and bring the community together. My art is intended to beautify a space. It is my dream for my art to reach and teach the youth to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams.” To leave an Everlasting impression is the goal behind every stroke. I use art as a portal to different realms. As a child, I would look at art as a way to appreciate and understand the immense beauty of our world.

Project Context

Isaiah's description of himself stood out to the CSDI team, which made him perfect for this project.

Representatives of 18 cultural student organizations, Black Students in Action, Latin American Students Association, First Gen Club, LGBTQIA+ Allies, Tri-Alpha Honor Society, South Asian Student Association, Middle Eastern Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Coptic Club, East Asian Student Association, Italian Club, Hillel, Streak Accessibility Club, Students for Justice in Palestine, Ukrainian Society, Women and Allies Coalition, French Club and Sikh Student Association attended the workshop on September 27th, 2024. All JCU students were also invited to attend. Isaiah led a workshop with over 40 in-person students and 20 virtual attendees to bring their vision to life. The session focused on understanding our community, building solidarity, symbolism, and how all of the values, beliefs, and different backgrounds in one room could make a foundation to be an inspiration for years to come. Open dialogue sessions inspired the exchange of fresh ideas from students representing their backgrounds to foster a mutual goal. Isaiah was passionate about working with students and incorporating their ideas, which created sets of artwork followed by feedback that led to the final piece. On January 8th, 2025, the new mural installation began on the second floor of the D.J. Lombardo Student Center, the main entrance to the CSDI office. Students joined the first brush strokes of the mural on the floor. This was important for all our community members who created a piece of their own.

On January 29th, 2025, the mural was completed. Each detail was thoughtfully designed: butterflies representing immigration; the bird representing freedom, a sacred symbol of courage and strength for Indigenous people; the paper crane representing peace, hope, and healing; the Pride flag, Kente cloths, and first-generation program colors of Teal Blue; Hands that reach for the sky and hold hope for the future and courage… These details made a difference and were open for interpretation for the viewer. From our survey of the students, they are responding to the question of how murals make them feel to see diverse representation on our campus:

“This mural brings me much joy because it is a major step towards being a more culturally inclusive campus. Having the mural outside of CSDI adds to the home-away-from-home atmosphere, providing a place on campus where other cultures can come together to celebrate and support each other.”

“I love that the mural represents different cultures with the paper crane, henna, etc. & also a sense of togetherness & belonging with the hands, butterflies, & flowers.”

90% of students who responded to our survey shared that the mural increased the visual representation on our campus, while 100% shared that the mural brings them joy and a greater sense of belonging! We thank you for your support of this initiative and our students. Next time you visit the John Carroll University campus, we would love to see you on the second floor at the student center!