'Rita's Spotlight' Mural
commissioned by the City of Boston for their Transformative Public Art Project
"Rita Hester was a Black trans woman and beloved Allston community member. She lost her life as a result of transphobia and anti-trans violence. Her passing was felt by countless individuals and sparked a movement in Boston and beyond. Trans activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith started the Transgender Day of Remembrance as a dedication to Rita Hester and other trans individuals who died from anti-trans violence. It is observed annually across the world on November 20.
In 2020, former Boston Artist-in-Residence Golden proposed a mural to honor the life and legacy of Rita Hester. The following year, we released a call to artists for this mural as a part of the Transformative Public Art Program. The City engaged with members of the trans and nonbinary community in working groups during the mural process. Lala Shanks served as the mural consultant for this project, and led a community engagement process that included:
  • Rita’s family members,
  • members of the LGBTQIA+ community,
  • and staff from the Massachusetts Transgender Emergency Fund.
The City commissioned Rixy to create the mural, which was installed in July 2022."

excerpt taken from 
the City of Boston