Positivity in the Pain(ting)

Jonathan Ferrell was shot and killed by a police officer in Charlotte, North Carolina when he was 24 years old. He was unarmed and giving a co-worker a ride home when the shooting incident occurred. September 14, 2021, was the 8th anniversary of Jonathan’s death, and I attended his memorial ceremony. At the ceremony, I regifted an art painting of Jonathan to Jonathan’s mom. I received the painting as a birthday gift from artist Mark Harmon when I visited his studio in Asheville, NC. He created the art piece to commemorate Juneteenth 2021.

Prior to regifting the painting, I hung it in my living room for three months. While the painting was on my wall, it never felt like it was in the right home. Therefore, I decided to give the artwork to Jonathan’s mom. But I didn’t know how I could get the artwork to her.

On September 14 2021, the anniversary day of Jonathan’s death, I turned on the afternoon news and learned there would be a balloon release ceremony later that day for him. I typically watch the news once or twice a week and it is usually the evening news. It is mind-blowing that I was watching the news at the time they mentioned Jonathan’s event – perfect timing. At that moment, I knew the ceremony was the time and place to give the painting to the Ferrell family. I was able to do that.

I shared the story with Mark the painter, and he sent me this response:
“Thank you for doing that I am so grateful that you got that painting to where it needed to go and wish you, the family, and community healing and justice. I had a real sense that you would use the image better than I knew how to. I so wish to find ways to make what I do serve a real purpose, so thanks, and please let me know if you know of ways paintings can serve.”

Positive things happen in the world every day, even though it does not seem that way when you turn on the news. I am happy I was the bridge to get the painting to Jonathan’s mom. I hope it cheers her and brings her some comfort that people care for her son.

Bebe Wilkinson is the owner of Succeed LLC. She is a Lifestyle Medicine Coach and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach.