Antijuan Fletcher has worked as Oakland Hope’s pantry manager in Pontiac for just under a year.
When founder Norma Okonski arranged for him to be photographed, he knew it was for some kind of art project. When he saw himself featured at the center of Oakland Hope’s new mural, he felt a sense of disbelief and a little shock.
“I’m happy about it now,” he told The Oakland Press, though he’s a little overwhelmed with the flood of attention.
“People keep asking me for my autograph,” the 25-year-old said. “But I like it.”
Fletcher will be signing those autographs between 1 and 4 p.m. Thursday, June 30, during at block party at Oakland Hope, 20 E. Walton Blvd.
Okonski said Thursday’s party has multiple purposes. It’s a time for people to come together and have fun, a time to celebrate the recently completed mural, and a time to showcase District 4 residents.
Kathalee James, Pontiac’s District 4 councilwoman, helped lead the effort to make the mural happen. She said the art not only reflects the community, it serves as a gateway image for people entering Pontiac from Baldwin Road.
She effusively praised lead artist Zach Curtis, who created the mural with the help of Kevin Burdick, nicknamed “Scraps.”
“I love the concept,” James said. She hadn’t met Okonski before starting the mural project, but said they two found they are “kindred spirits … We just connected as Christians and as people. We have just had the greatest collaboration.”
Fletcher’s one-year anniversary is July 3. He said he loves his job and has made many friends at the pantry.
The mural, he said, shows how the community comes together to get fresh food to people who might not otherwise have access.
“We help thousands of people every month,” he said. “I like that.”
