The Making a Difference Foundation’s Tacoma mural project, “Muted Voices,” has received a bronze award in the third annual Anthem Awards.
The Anthem Awards are presented by the Webby Awards and honor the mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations around the world, a release said. For this year’s honors, the competition received more than 2,000 submissions from 44 countries.
The “Muted Voices” project took home a bronze award in the Public Service Community Engagement categories for nonprofit organizations.
Muted voice is the brain child vision and idea of Ahndrea Blue and CEO of The Making a Difference Foundation received grant funding from the Tacoma Arts Commission to complete the project.
“Muted Voices,” which focuses on racial and cultural diversity, is the first mural to be designed and painted, with the community’s help, in Tacoma by a Black woman artist. It looks to represent different people of the BIPOC community and inspire people to speak out, the release said.
National Award Winning Mural! Muted Voices!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION’S
MUTED VOICES MURAL
Thanks to a generous grant provided by the City of Tacoma’s Community Arts Projects and the amazing talent of artist, Devona Roy, Making A Difference Foundation’s Muted Voices community mural is now complete.
Located in the McKinley neighborhood, Muted Voices is the first mural to be designed, and painted, with the community’s help, in the city of Tacoma by a black female artist. Meant to inspire everyone to speak out and let their voices be heard, the mural focuses on racial and cultural diversity and represents different people of the BIPOC community; a community that has been historically marginalized without a true voice due to systemic racism. This beautiful work of art is meant to improve, inspire, and beautify the local area while creating a talking piece between neighbors and community leaders that creates an open dialogue relating to cultural differences, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as remindeveryone to speak out and let their voices be heard.
The mural can be viewed at Making A Difference Foundation’s building located at 3507 E. McKinley Ave on Tacoma’s east side.
About the artist: Devona Roy is a versatile visual artist, mother, and army veteran based in Tacoma, Washington. With a passion for vibrant colors and striking imagery, Devona works with acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, and body paint. Her artistic journey spans nearly four decades, culminating in a thriving career that began in 2017. Known for captivating portraits and abstract non-portrait work, she fearlessly explores various mediums, from canvas to attire, decor, walls, and even body painting. Her murals can be found in schools, churches, and an Army Base in the United States and Germany. Devona’s artistry reflects her deep connection to her craft, and she continually seeks to inspire and unite through her captivating creations.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION’S MUTED VOICES MURAL
RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS 3rd ANNUAL ANTHEM AWARD
The 3rd Annual Anthem Awards were announced on January 30, 2024, and Making A Difference Foundation’s mural project, Muted Voices, was a bronze winner in the Public Service Community Engagement Categories for nonprofit organizations.
The Public Service category is the best-in-class efforts by federal, state, or local government or council project, initiative, or campaign to engage a community of people and provoke action related to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. The competition received over 2,000 submissions from 44 countries around the world.
Ms. Blue said of the award, “I am truly honored and thrilled on behalf of Making A Difference Foundation for this prestigious award that recognizes our impactful project Muted Voices, and how it reflects our collective dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our mission.” She goes on to say, “I’m also humbled for our work to be acknowledged among so many other distinguished people and projects, including Misty Copeland, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Kevin Bacon, and many more.”
The Anthem Awards, presented by The Webby Awards, honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, they are defining a new benchmark for social impact work that inspires others to take action in their own community. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, accepting work across five areas of impact work, including Awareness & Media, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service, and Team & Leadership for seven causes: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment.
Making A Difference Foundation’s Muted Voices is the first mural to be designed and painted, with the community’s help, in the city of Tacoma, WA, by a black female artist. Meant to inspire everyone to speak out and let their voices be heard, the mural focuses on racial and cultural diversity and represents different people of the BIPOC community, a community that has been historically marginalized without a true voice due to systemic racism. This work of art is meant to improve, inspire, and beautify the local area while creating an open dialogue between neighbors and community leaders relating to cultural differences, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as reminding everyone to speak out and let their voices be heard.
The mural project saw dozens of community members coming together to complete it, building understanding and camaraderie. It also added a beautiful piece of art in an area that didn’t have any for people to enjoy and provided a bridge to discuss marginalized communities. The art was designed by local independent BIPOC artist Devona Roy, and the Making A Difference Foundation received grant funding from the Tacoma Arts Commission to complete the project.