Pelicans players collaborate with artist BMike and Eternal Seeds to unveil Black History Month mural "I Am Because We Are"

New Orleans Pelicans players, in partnership with renowned local artist Brandan “BMike” Odums and his nonprofit organization Eternal Seeds, have joined forces to create a vibrant mural in honor of Black History Month. This collaborative project, titled "I Am Because We Are," serves as a powerful celebration of African American heritage and unity within the New Orleans community.

The "I Am Because We Are" mural uniquely combines the creative talents of Pelicans players and local youth artists under the guidance of BMike. The concept behind the artwork embodies the spirit of Black History Month, showcasing the idea of "standing on the shoulders of giants" and the collective effort to uplift future generations.

Pelicans players actively participated in the creation of the mural by contributing to the background layers through a distinctive technique involving bouncing basketballs in paint. Additionally, players collaborated with youth artists to develop sketches reflecting their personal interpretations of Black History Month. Through a democratic selection process, a poignant design emerged, symbolizing the resilience and progress fostered by past sacrifices.

Following the unveiling, the "I Am Because We Are" mural will be auctioned online from February 23rd to March 16th, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting Eternal Seeds, Larry Nance Jr.’s “Zero Hunger Challenge”, and CJ McCollum’s non-profit initiatives throughout the New Orleans community. Bidders can participate in the auction via the Eternal Seeds website at https://eternalseeds.com/iambcweare.

For more information about the "I Am Because We Are" mural and the collaborative efforts behind it, please visit https://www.bmike.co/.

About the Participants:

BMike: Renowned local artist and founder of Eternal Seeds, dedicated to empowering emerging artists and fostering creativity within underserved communities.

Eternal Seeds: Nonprofit organization focused on cultivating artistic expression and positive social change through mentorship, education, and community projects.