Community celebrates new mural honoring David Josiah Lawson

The new David Josiah Lawson mural at the D Street Neighborhood Center in Arcata sits across from Cal Poly Humboldt. A celebration was held on June 24 where over 30 people attended. 

Charmaine Lawson, Josiah’s mother, gave an emotional speech thanking City Manager Karen Diemer, Kintay Johnson from the local NAACP chapter, the artists who made this mural possible and the community for continuing its support. 

“This is not just for DJ, this is for every parent that lost a child, every parent that is dealing with grief,” Charmaine Lawson said. “I want you to be able to look at this mural and think about your loved ones and I want you to know that this is for us…they will forever be loved and missed.” 

The mural of Josiah Lawson is a portrait surrounded by pastel hues of lavender and blues depicting College Cove located in Trinidad. The white flowers around Josiah Lawson’s face only bloom every seven years, symbolizing that it has been seven years since his death. He was killed at an off-campus house party in 2017, his cause of death was multiple stab wounds. Seven years later there is still no conviction and Charmaine Lawson said she will never give up until justice is served. 

“I’ve said it from day one,” Charmaine Lawson said. “I’m not giving up until justice is served for my son.” 

Many other people gave speeches, including Ben Funke, the leading artist for the mural project. He expressed his gratitude for being entrusted to complete the mural and capture Josiah Lawson in a way that did him justice. 

“I am so proud of this work, so proud of this community for showing up and being a part of this fight,” Funke said. 

Funke wanted to make sure that the project for the mural would be a collaboration between himself and the Lawson family. With the help of Blake Reagan — another local artist — and other community members who wanted to help paint the mural, Josiah’s essence was captured. Charmaine Lawson painted the jewelry on her son’s face, the earrings and nose ring. 

Charmaine Lawson and Funke agreed to use the photo from the “Justice for Josiah” posters for the mural. Another part of the collaboration was the golden skateboard on the right side of the mural reading, “Long live DJ destined for greatness honoring the murdered and missing in HC.”  Additionally, the letters “Justice for David Josiah Lawson” were also replicated to look like Josiah Lawson’s original handwriting. 

A “living wall” of fruit and flower bearing plants will be installed at the base of the mural by Arcata Rotary. 

Lorna Bryant, a close friend of Charmaine’s and a local DJ, played one last song for the crowd of supporters titled “Someday” by Charles Jenkins. 

“It’s for all of you,” said Bryant. “If you are missing someone, the lyrics are simple. I’ll see you again someday.”