HOUSTON – A powerful new public artwork, titled “Slavery is Still Legal,” was unveiled at Cuney Homes on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
This dedication ceremony took place in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, at the site of the Houston Housing Authority’s first development, which opened in 1947.
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Created by local artists Armando Castelan and Black Cassidy, the mural aims to draw attention to one of today’s most pressing social justice issues: captive labor.
The artwork, produced in collaboration with a national coalition of social justice organizations, serves as a visual and emotional representation of the ongoing exploitation of incarcerated labor under the 13th Amendment’s exception clause.
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Located a few blocks away from the historic Columbia Tap Trail—a former rail line built by slaves to transport sugar—the mural also underscores the legacy of slavery that continues to impact communities in Houston.
The mural features 14-year-old Edrick Earl Rhodes II, a rising star in the community. Edrick’s story symbolizes the connection between the past, present, and future.
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Born into a life of frequent relocations before settling in Cuney Homes, Edrick’s passion for math and science, inspired by his uncle Cedric, an engineer and entrepreneur, has already earned him recognition, including a showcase at the Houston Children’s Museum.
“I’m just being me,” has been the students’ humble response to being featured in the mural, hoping that the artwork will inspire others to recognize the importance of community progress and historical awareness.