Meet German DuBois | ARTIVIST

We had the good fortune of connecting with German DuBois and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi German, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of HOPE Murals is the belief that every child can overcome the barriers, pitfalls and negative labels they have experienced. That despite all of the odds that are stacked against them, every young person has the capacity to re-write the narrative of their future and live a successful, productive and healthy lifestyle. HOPE Murals empowers its participants to experience the transformative power of ‘self-efficacy’ via its Arts-Based Character Development program model. Once a youth experiences the impact of Self-efficacy (“…a person’s belief in their ability to complete tasks and achieve goals…It’s a cognitive self-evaluation that can influence a person’s motivation, effort, and resilience in the face of challenges.”), they become equipped to navigate the reality of their present state, but more importantly, become empowered to design a personal strategy towards achieving their short & long term goals. The development of this critical skill set is essential to both their personal growth and future sustainability. It is this pedagogical approach that distinguishes HOPE Murals and has been the foundation of our success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career over thirty years ago in the classroom as a Language Arts – Creative Writing Instructor at Roosevelt HS in the Bronx. I truly believe that education is the critical key to breaking the cycles of poverty and oppression that plague so many of our communities. As a teacher, I wanted children to fall in love with learning and to discover their inner voice as an artist. I challenged students to express their ideas, thoughts, fears etc, entrusting that each lesson would inspire them to develop a greater sense of self-purpose.

That creative mindset has served me throughout my career, in many different professional roles, but most recently was the catalyst for establishing HOPE Murals. After serving as an Educator for three decades, I realized that many of our youth lack a positive outlook for a successful future and despite academic gains, many seemed disillusioned about changing their current reality and accepted their disenfranchised circumstances as the norm. Our youth lack HOPE for a better tomorrow, for themselves, their families and their communities.

I set out to leverage the ‘power of art’ to engage and teach youth about creative expression and more importantly, to instill the belief that they are not to be defined by their past, their mistakes and/or the labels placed upon them by society. By resuscitating hope in their lives, they discover a greater sense of self-purpose and seek a pathway to achieving success.

We as adults, must do better to equip our next generation to strive for greatness.
HOPE = Hold On Pain Ends!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
South Florida is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Whether you enjoy sunbathing as you sink your toes in the miles of warm sandy beaches that adorn the coast or prefer to take a deep dive into the abyss of the Atlantic Ocean, I would encourage all who visit to explore one of nature’s most under-rated wonders. Once back on land, we would fire up the grill to indulge in all the seafood obtained from our oceanic adventures, ranging from lobster and crabs to fresh mahi mahi and tuna. If there is still time and energy, a quick stop at Dante’s in Wynwood, to enjoy one of my favorite adult libations, called Sweet Taboo, while I two step to the musical vibes of DJ Rich Medina, who spins magic at this vinyl only hidden gem.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always been the bedrock of my success and have inspired me throughout my life to pursue both personal and professional endeavors. They serve as examples of resiliency, courage, determination, grit and faith. They taught me the value of demonstrating love to others, while simultaneously loving yourself with respect and dignity. I am humbled to be their son and thankful for their parenting and guidance.

Dr. Elleni Tedla, and Dr. Eulas Boys were incredibly influential during my undergraduate years and provided me with tremendous insight to the power in serving my community in a professional capacity. They modeled the importance of the Sankofan Way, (Sankofa is a phrase that encourages learning from the past to inform the future, and is often used to convey the idea of reaching back to move forward.) and instilled this philosophy in their mentorship.

Website: https://www.HOPEmurals.org

Instagram: @HOPEmurals

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