'It's a labor of love': Raleigh artist paints mural as tribute to Black fatherhood

A Raleigh-based artist is making a statement after being inspired by one photo. She’s recreating a tribute to Black fatherhood by painting a large mural.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24.7 million children (33%) in the United States lived in fatherless homes. This number has increased by 25% since 1960.

Black children are impacted the most with 46% living in households without a father.

Dare Coulter is working on her latest masterpiece on the back side of Irregardless, a restaurant located in Raleigh.

“It’s a labor of love because this is something that I care about immensely,” Coulter said.

On a hot June day, as families are out dining with Dad for Father’s Day, Coulter’s expressing gratitude in a more colorful way.

“All my work focuses on positive imagery, specifically, of black people. Pictures of joy. Depictions of family and love and I think for me this picture was the epitome of that,” Coulter added.

An old viral photo of Busta Rhymes gently kissing his son, Trillian, on the forehead as he drops him off at college is the inspiration behind it.

“It’s the depiction of the concept of being loved completely. And I know that there are a lot of people who grew up without a father. My father wasn’t in my household but I was still in contact with him,” Coulter explained.

A tribute to black fatherhood is just one reason why this has become a passion project of hers. She's spent day in and day out on this over the past week with even some sleepless nights.

“It’s many hours but it’s also a lot of processing. Even when I’m not here I’m thinking about this piece," Coulter said.

Coulter has a goal to spread hope with every stroke.

“When I say that my art is a space for joy, healing and feeling. Like I think this gets to be both joy and healing and feeling and love.” Coulter added.

Coulter’s had a journey of her own over the past few years trying to bring this idea to life.

The owner of Irregardless, Lee Robinson, and the landlord, David Meeker, were eager and determined to make it happen.

“I’m glad that we finally got to a point on a timeline where this is coming together because I feel like the world needs this right now. We need this right now. I need this right now,” Coulter said.

For anyone who passes by this mural, Coulter wants it to be a safe space and to inspire people to show up for one another.

“It’s the idea that you don’t know who people are going to become or how you may impact them, but you have to show up as a good person every day,” Coulter explained.

“And knowing that everyone is growing and evolving constantly and you’re part of their story across their path. Be a good person and lead with love,” Coulter added.

Busta Rhyme’s son Trillian commented on her work on Instagram, sharing his appreciation for her art.

You can learn more about Coulter’s artwork here.