DeKALB — The Center for Black Studies and the College of Visual and Performing Arts invites the DeKalb community to join together through a social justice event called “Art and Soul” in the form of art to paint “Black Lives Matter” on Castle Drive at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. 

The “Art and Soul” event will  include a variety of other festivities, according to the event page website. There will be performances from J. Royal of DeKalb, Prof Teauge and Prof Thomas, original music from Fred McClure, a Black choir and many more. There will also be jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, dance improvisation and live readings. 

Painting supplies will be provided for participants and proper safety measures will be in place for COVID-19, according to the event website. Participants will be limited to 50 at a given time and be rotated throughout the event. Masks will be required and some will be available at the event. Supplies will also be cleaned after each use. 

The paint used is water-based and non-toxic and is expected to last through the fall semester,  Paul Kassel, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts said.   

“Though the image may fade, our commitment to social justice and to a strong Huskie community will remain vivid and strong.” Kassel said. “We believe that one answer to a hateful act is an act of affirmation of our values. It is in that spirit that this event is being held—to testify and signify to all that NIU holds an unshakeable belief that Black Lives Matter.”