Artist paints message to migrants in Mexico
218 views · Published 25 December 2018 · 2:23 · Indexed 30 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(20 Dec 2018) Manuel Oliver has been painting murals depicting his son, Joaquin since he was killed in February in a school shooting in the United States. The 50-year-old US citizen who was born in Caracas, Venezuela became an artist and activist advocating for stricter gun laws in the U.S. In his latest work, he went to Tijuana on the Mexican side of the US border. After plastering a picture of his late son, he spray-painted the message: "On the other side (they) also kill our children." Oliver, who now lives in Florida, says he supports the plight of migrants and their need for a better life, but does not believe that moving to the US is the answer to all their problems. Many Central American migrants say they are fleeing from gang violence and poverty. Oliver says his son, who was born and raised in the US, also fell victim to violence. Joaquin was killed on February 14 in the mass shooting at Parkland high school in Florida. The shooting, which killed 17 students and staff, sparked nationwide student-led marches for gun control. Oliver and his wife Patricia founded Change the Ref, a nonprofit organisation that seeks to empower young people. Oliver's murals, called Walls of Demand, are part of a nationwide art project bringing attention to gun violence. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/2092396eea28ef329c245426c97c96ce
