The journey to create “Giving Florence Her Flowers” began when I was selected by Fairfax Connection and Cleveland Clinic to bring this special tribute to life. I was asked to submit mockups and initial designs, working closely with the community and receiving feedback that helped shape the final piece. Through emails, sketches, and community votes, we crafted a design that truly resonated with the neighborhood’s spirit.

Installation day was a memorable moment; seeing my artwork wrapped around the electrical box felt like planting something meaningful on the corner of 79th and Quincy—a space close to my heart and just steps away from Deep Roots Experience and Karamu House, two community hubs that I’m proud to be part of. The grand reveal brought neighbors and supporters together to celebrate Florence’s legacy, a symbol of gratitude now living in the heart of Fairfax.

Florence Bundy Fairfax, the influential Cleveland recreation leader, though her work spoke volumes about her dedication to youth and community support. Known for her commitment to developing recreational programs to influence Cleveland's inner-city youth positively, Fairfax emphasized the importance of providing safe spaces and activities to help young people avoid negative influences. She was especially committed to “helping children form good social patterns of behavior through recreation,” a principle that shaped her career and legacy in Cleveland’s Recreation Department.

In honor of her impact, the Fairfax Recreation Center was named after her in 1959, recognizing her contributions to the well-being and social development of the city's youth. Later, her influence extended to the Fairfax neighborhood, which continues to bear her name today, symbolizing her lasting legacy within Cleveland's community development initiatives. You can read more about her life and work in the

Case Western Reserve University

ps://case.edu/ech/articles/f/fairfax-florence-bundy).