On busy street corners all around downtown Phoenix, artists like Maria Madrid Reed are putting the finishing touches on a tribute celebrating the rich history of Black achievement. “So, we have Madam CJ Walker, she’s the most known out of the three, she created a huge empire,” said Maria, pointing to her mural near 8th Street and Washington. Reed is one of 22 artists creating 28 murals for Black History Month. Her murals focus on three entrepreneurs: Madam C.J. Walker, Mary Ellen Pleasant, and O.W. Gurley.
