“In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the work cracks open a foundation and reveals an interesting juxtaposition. Broken shackles and chains scatter around the American flag, which hangs from a tree next to a Black woman. The woman smiles, assuredly, holding a scroll that highlights the words, “created equal”. It is the country’s Declaration of Independence. Against a bright blue sky, the scene is hopeful at first glance. However, the images are tied to a real history of oppression, and the work is meant to trigger feelings about a deeper story. My intention is that the piece encourages viewers to acknowledge that the country’s practices have not aligned with the philosophies embedded in foundational writing. This is a great time to reflect on the entitlements that, as written, are inherent to us by virtue of simply being human and let that guide us forward. We are entitled to equality, to life, to liberty, to the pursuit of happiness because we are human. Our foundation was imperfect. Our future should be better.” – Martryce Roach | Muralist, Visual Artist, Human Rights Advocate and Summer/Fall 2026 Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence | @martrycetheartist
This project would not be possible without the support of Timothy M. Andrews, longtime supporter of the Arts Council of Princeton, who has generously underwritten the Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence program.
This mural project is a part of Re-visioning America, which is a community-based and collaborative initiative that invites contemplation of the past, present, and possible futures of the American nation through the lens of art. “America” refers to a specific geography, but it also conjures a diverse and sometimes contradictory cohort of ideas, myths, debates, experiences, identities, and aspirations.