Where History, Art, and Hope Grow

A new mural now greets families, staff, and neighbors at ForKids’ Landmark Center with a simple, powerful message: “Good Things Grow Here.”

Unveiled ahead of Black History Month 2026, the mural was created by Chesapeake artist Ruby Starcher as part of a collaboration among ForKids, the city of Chesapeake, the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC), and the ViBe Creative District.

Bright, joyful, and intentional, the mural is a meaningful addition to ForKids’ headquarters in South Norfolk. It faces Rena B. Wright Way, named for the educator and civic leader whose legacy in education and the women’s movement makes the location especially significant.

Painting the two-story mural came with challenges. “I have a little fear of heights, so being on the lift was definitely my biggest struggle,” Ruby said. “The lift sways a little — which is fine five feet off the ground — but 30 feet up was a little nerve-wracking!”

“We were given guidelines to create something inclusive, bright, and uplifting,” Ruby shared. “I have always loved the saying ‘good things grow here’ and thought it was perfect alongside the art already on the wall.”

Still, the experience was deeply meaningful.

“I am so grateful for the VAACC, the ViBe Creative District, and ForKids for trusting me to do this. It is so cool to think my art brought all three organizations together,” Ruby said.

The mural was designed to complement an existing Pop-Up Park public art installation by AIA Coastal Virginia, which was added to Landmark Center in 2024. Both projects are a testament to the central role art plays at ForKids, said CEO Thaler McCormick.

“At ForKids, we’re intentional about how our spaces feel, because environment matters when people are navigating trauma,” she explained. “Ruby’s mural brings warmth, hope, and a sense of belonging for our families, volunteers, and staff, and sends a simple but powerful message: ‘You belong here, and good things are still ahead.’ We’re grateful to be part of the South Norfolk community—where good things grow—and to work alongside partners like VAACC, ViBe, and the City of Chesapeake.”

Pictured above: Thaler McCormick, CEO of ForKids; Hollimon Gregg; VAACC Vice Chair Dr. Angela Gregg; VAACC Founder and Chairman Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammon; Chesapeake Mayor Rick West; Chesapeake artist Ruby Starcher; Kate Pittman, Executive Director of the ViBe Creative District.

Photos courtesy of ViBe Creative District.