Compassion, Belonging, Diversity, Identity (CBDI)
Cougar Pride
2025 Youth Program
Location: Lafayette Elementary School, Lafayette, CO
Aerica Raven led Lafayette Elementary School students in painting two murals!
For Compassion, Belonging, Diversity, Identity (CBDI), students, staff, and guardians of Lafayette Elementary joined Aerica to paint a collaborative mural highlighting some of the school’s core principles: Compassion, Belonging, Diversity, and Identity.
The result was four distinct sections that encourage students to reflect on these values in creative and interconnected ways. Before each session, students discussed how to utilize abstract elements to represent each principle, such as plants taking root symbolize belonging and a multi-faceted face representing identity. Situated in the bustling cafeteria, the mural will continue to serve as an inspiring educational tool for generations of students to come.
After finishing the CBDI mural, Aerica painted an additional mural so that more students, staff, and parents could participate. Situated in the cafeteria, Cougar Pride playfully uses the school’s mascot to remind students that their actions reflect the school and their fellow classmates. The stripes used on the cougar paws symbolize a celebration of diversity and belonging within Lafayette Elementary’s community.
GreenSheen Paint generously donated ALL paint used for this program. During each paint session, students learned about how reclaimed paint helps protect our environment in addition to painting techniques used by professional muralists.
Both murals were made possible by a family donation along with the Lafayette Arts in Community Grant.