Family of artist who painted historic Black Jesus mural in Detroit church fights to save artwork

A Detroit community is refusing to part with a historic mural of Black Jesus as the century-old Catholic church faces closure.

On October 12, St. Charles Lwanga, formerly known as St. Cecilia, held what many consider to be the last mass. However, many hope that the Black Jesus on the ceiling can find a new home, especially considering its historical significance.

The piece was created in 1968 by a local artist, DeVon Cunningham, and attempted to reflect the shifts in the neighborhood. The revelation became a point of contention amid racial issues on both a regional and national level, including the 1967 civil uprising in Detroit and the overarching civil rights movement.

However, the Black Jesus is in danger when the Church closes its doors. St. Charles Lwanga officials say the cost of maintenance, repairs and dwindling membership leave them no choice but to close their doors.

The Rev. Theodore Parker, the now-retired pastor, says the building needs a new roof and an improved heating system, expensive upgrades that the limited number of parishioners cannot justify. According to The Detroit Newsthe church has only 200 members.

However, the timelessness of the mural remains. When it was initially revealed, it led to praise and backlash, with its own artist receiving death threats. At its height, the mural became the cover of the March 1969 issue of Ebony Magazine, with additional coverage in the New York Times.

While stopping the church from closing may seem like too much of a battle, one family is hoping to at least save the famous mural.

“We would like to save it, and we hope there is enough support from the community and others to recognize that it should be saved,” said Leisa Traylor, Cunningham’s daughter. “At this point we’re really hoping to get more information about what’s happening with the building.”

However, the decay of the building may also have influenced the quality of the mural. Observers noted the discoloration on Black Jesus’ cloak due to roof leaks. Despite the drawbacks, they hope to find a way to keep the mural visible to the community, as it once represented their place within Detroit and the Catholic Church.

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