"We gon be Alright" Public art in many ways can hold a mirror up to society in which it appears. While artist intent is important the translation of work into its many interpretations create a tapestry of meaning like light broken up into its component colours. For artists the work acts as a transmitter of energy which is broken down like a prism in the mind of viewers creating meaning and interpretations that tell us about the viewer, the community and even the artist themselves The mural on Bank Street for me was an opportunity to understand how the community feels about black presence in Ottawa. We chose to create a mural with the uplifting affirmation "We Gon Be Alright" Lyrics pulled from the chorus of Kendrick Lamar's 2015 Grammy winning single "Alright" which addresses police violence and racial inequality. We thought that this would be appropriate amongst the current backdrop of world wide protests against Systemic Anti-black racism; Justice & police reform. We also hope that the lyrics would be interpreted more broadly as a comforting message to those affected by the uncertainty caused by the Global Pandemic, climate change, and current recession. Lastly we wanted to boldly present blackness unapologetically in Ottawa to affirm the existence of the underrepresented black community. We want to invite the city and the world to enjoy the beauty of blackness and black art; to consider the idea that black culture is a part of the Canadian Identity not a threat to it. What I've learned throughout the creation of this mural is That people really do value Black Art. The constant praise, expressions of gratitude, care given to us from passers by was overwhelming. I've learned that while public black art is comforting and welcomed by many it can challenge people as well. I've learned that sometimes for a pessimist a positive message can be offensive but it also open up conversations that lead them to interrogate their own beliefs and consider new possibilities. I want to thank Wallacks for sponsoring this mural; the Bank street BIA for the opportunity to express ourselves; My Brothers in art Kalkidan Assefa and Jimmy Baptiste (at Bank Street) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF358sblysD/?igshid=v35898bx1n21