( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Huffman Middle School Students and Local Artist Transform School Identity Through Afrofuturistic Art
ENSPIRE Contributor: Serena Chen
At Huffman Middle School in Center Point, AL, a new mural has transformed how students see themselves in their mascot. Local artist Meghan McCollum, founder of Blank Space Bham, reimagined the school’s Viking mascot through an Afrofuturist lens. The mural is part of the Ed Farm Spaces project at Huffman hosted by Ed Farm. Ed Farm is a nonprofit organization that empowers students and educators to thrive in today’s digital age. These spaces include resources such as Mac labs and AR/VR/XR to foster student creativity. The Ed Farm Space, known as the ‘Vikings Hubs’, officially opened at the end of February.
While Huffman Middle School has worked with local artists before, this is the largest mural at the school. The Afrofuturism Viking Mural took two months from concept to completion, with students actively shaping the mural’s message. During brainstorming sessions with McCollum, the students mentioned that the traditional Viking imagery didn’t reflect their black identities. With a predominantly black student body at Huffman, this project ensures that students can see themselves represented in their school’s legacy. This mural reflects ENSPIRE’s mission to highlight those that are a statement of empowerment and inclusion.
What inspired Ed Farm to integrate art and cultural representation into its educational spaces, particularly with this Afrofuturism Viking Mural?
Waymond Jackson, President of Ed Farm: The Ed Farm Spaces team, in collaboration with Meghan McCollum, hosted a series of listening sessions at Huffman Middle School. Those sessions were centered around open-ended, critical questions about creativity, learning, identity, and community. At one point, we posed the question: “Close your eyes and picture a Viking. What do you see?”
The responses varied, as expected, but one student’s honest answer—“I see white skin”—was a pivotal moment of reflection. That single comment led to the realization that the school’s Viking mascot may not accurately represent the student body. We also discussed how the concept of Vikings felt ancient and outdated compared to reality.
That’s when the idea of Afrofuturism emerged as a unifying concept that would blend cultural identity with a forward-looking vision. It eventually became the driving inspiration behind the mural that now spans the entire front of the building.
What has been the response from the community to seeing the traditional Viking mascot transformed in this way?
Waymond Jackson: Although we don’t get to hear from everyone who sees the mural, the feedback we have received so far has been incredibly moving. The mural’s vibrant style, inspired by comic book art, is open to personal interpretation. Its abstract nature allows every viewer to make a unique emotional and intellectual connection.
We understand that students might grow used to seeing the mural over time, as is typical in a school setting. However, we believe its presence will serve as a lasting source of inspiration for them. I’ve personally seen members of the community slow down just to take in the mural. That’s a sign that the artwork resonates far beyond the school walls.
In what ways do you see representation and cultural relevance impacting student engagement and learning outcomes in these redesigned spaces?
Waymond Jackson: Representation is often overlooked in public education, not because of a lack of awareness, but because educators and school leaders are overwhelmed. They’re juggling standardized testing, constant legislative changes, and the day-to-day realities of teaching in overstretched environments.
This is where Ed Farm can help. As a partner, we can help with the things that too often fall to the bottom of the priority list. For example, a sense of belonging directly correlates with academic achievement. As a result, when students feel like guests in a learning space, they tend not to be as motivated. In comparison, if they see themselves reflected in the environment, they’re more likely to feel motivated and achieve more.
We also know from neuroscience that positive emotional states enhance the brain’s capacity to learn and understand new concepts. Culturally responsive spaces help create those positive emotional states that can help these students reach their full potential.
How does Ed Farm ensure that its focus on cutting-edge technology still makes space for culturally relevant experiences like the mural at Huffman Middle School?
Daniel Whitt, Head of Learning Spaces: Ultimately, we hope initiatives like the Huffman Viking mural ignite the imagination of the communities we serve. We want to help people dream more boldly and see themselves in both the present and in their futures.
However, dreaming alone isn’t enough. It must be matched with real, actionable skills. If a person who can envision a bigger, better future also gains the tools and knowledge to pursue what they desire, then the possibilities become limitless.
As artist and activist Romare Bearden once said, “You should always respect what you are and your culture because if your art is going to mean anything, that is where it comes from.” We believe the same is true for education. When young people see their culture reflected in the learning space, they begin to take control of their journey. That’s the legacy we’re working toward: a generation of learners who can not only dare to dream but also turn those dreams into reality.
Waymond Jackson: At Ed Farm, our commitment to creative expression and representation is a major part of every space that we create. We firmly believe that art is inseparable from core academics. You won’t find an Ed Farm space without it, since visually rich, inspiring environments support deeper learning.
Some researchers argue that sensory-rich spaces can distract one from learning. Nevertheless, we’ve found the opposite to be true in most cases. Color theory and sensory engagement are linked to improved focus and mental clarity. When we implement that with purpose, design elements can transform a space into a catalyst for learning and creativity.
Furthermore, when it comes to technology, we believe it should always be paired with hope. In addition to teaching high-tech skills, we must also help people envision a future where they see themselves thriving. Art and technology aren’t at odds; in fact, they enhance one another in every Ed Farm Space.
What’s next for Ed Farm? Are there plans to bring similar projects to other schools in the region or beyond?
Waymond Jackson: We’re expanding the types of spaces we design to include not just classrooms, but also community hubs and high-tech classrooms to help solve teacher shortages in rural schools. Last month, we launched our first Connected Classroom at Robert C. Hatch High School in Perry County, followed by the grand opening of a new STEM lab at Hale County College & Career Academy. These two ribbon-cuttings marked a major milestone in our support for the Black Belt region of Alabama.
We’ve also recently launched an innovation lab at a city-funded rec center in Warner Robins, Georgia, called InnoLab. That model will soon extend to North Birmingham, with a new space in the public library there. Meanwhile, we’re building a large innovation hub at Legacy Prep Academy in Birmingham, which will launch in the fall of 2025. Each of these spaces was activated by Ed Farm programming, which is designed to prepare the next generation of thinkers and builders.
Looking at the bigger picture, what legacy do you hope initiatives like this mural will leave for the students and communities you serve?
Waymond Jackson: The work of Ed Farm is rooted in our ability to grow digitally fluent learners. Our ability to incorporate the voice of those we serve through art is a key element to fostering engaging learning environments for every learner. Ultimately, it’s not only our job to inspire creativity in those we serve, but to see that our vision of creating an inventive world where all people have access to the tools they need to create the jobs of the future comes to life. When we do this, we will see thriving communities that experience generational success – a legacy that we are proud to own.
The Afrofuturism Viking Mural at Huffman Middle School reflects Ed Farm’s mission to make education more empowering for all students. Ed Farm is building more than just innovative spaces by helping young people see themselves in every corner of their learning environment. They also cultivate the next generation of creators, leaders, and changemakers. As this mural inspires many others, it also invites us to reimagine what’s possible when we let students shape their own futures. Visit their website to learn more about the mural or Ed Farm Spaces.
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