You are invited to the official unveiling of the Z. Alexander Looby Mural Project! This is a free event open to the entire community, and the creators would love for you to help them spread the word. The unveiling ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Looby Community Center, 2301 Metrocenter Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228. The mural covers the North End of the Looby Center Building.
Participants will include the Mayor’s Office, community partners, and local leaders who will come together to celebrate this important addition to our city’s public art and honor the legacy of Z. Alexander Looby. Please feel to share this invitation and information with your networks, families, and friends to come together to celebrate art, community, and the lasting legacy of Zephaniah Alexander Looby, Esq.
The Z. Alexander Looby Mural is 20 feet tall x 94 feet wide, and was painted with NOVA Color Acrylic Paint. A large, central portrait of Dr. Looby is surrounded by images of his colleagues and contemporaries who also worked tirelessly to improve Nashville, including J.C. Napier, Avon Williams Jr., Diane Nash, Kwame Leo Lillard, Flournoy Coles, Thurgood Marshall, Lutie Lytle, Prince Albert Ewing, Taylor G. Ewing Sr., Coyness Ennix, and Grafta Looby (Looby’s wife and educator). By celebrating these figures alongside Looby, the mural not only honors their contributions but also educates and inspires future generations to understand and continue the legacy of community leadership, education, and social justice.
Also featured are three Educational and Legal Contributions. Imagery depicting Lady Justice visually connects Looby’s enduring commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality, serving as a powerful reminder of his legacy in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the rule of law, inspiring future generations to continue the pursuit of justice he so fervently championed. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. logo, represents his efforts in establishing 14 new chapters during WWII as a proud member of the organization. The No “I – 40” represents his fight to attempt to stop the Interstate from destroying North Nashville. There is also a Courtroom Scene where Dr. Looby is depicted in the courtroom, passionately arguing a case.
The words education, justice, community, and equality are deeply tied to Z. Alexander Looby and his enduring legacy in these areas continues to inspire and guide future generations in the ongoing struggle. By bringing together these elements, the Mural not only honors his legacy but also will inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.
This mural is bright and colorful, reflecting the vibrant and bold vision Looby had for an equitable future. While he lived in an era of black – and – white imagery, his life’s work and mission were full of color and hope for a truly equal society. The use of colors such as orange (enthusiasm, creativity, and determination); yellow (optimism, clarity, and intellect); pink (compassion and care, empathy and kindness); teal (trust, loyalty, and wisdom); and purple (nobility, ambition, and dignity) not only add visual appeal but also symbolize the various aspects of his legacy. Through this mural, these vibrant colors celebrate Looby’s enduring impact and remind us of the colorful, hopeful future he envisioned — where justice, equality, and community thrive. All images are artistic representations rather than exact photographs due to the quality of most photos of the included leaders. This approach also allows the use of bold colors, as many of the original photos are only in black and white.
It has truly been a collective effort by Creative Girls Rock® , and they look forward to celebrating this moment with you on July 16. Get more info at: www.creativegirlsrock.org See you there!!
