Artists use their talent to advocate for the Build Back Better Bill (includes video story)

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is calling on lawmakers to pass one of the most anticipated bills promised by President Joe Biden, the Build Back Better Plan.

The Biden Administration says the bill will set the United States on course to combat climate change, create more well-paid jobs, and offer affordable health care.

Last week, the SEIU set up an art installation near the Washington Monument in an effort to convey the effect the bill would have on Americans’ lives. Local artists painted murals to help enforce the campaign and showcase the benefits home care workers would receive if the bill is passed.

“I believe art saves lives and that everyone can be part of it,” said Keyonna Jones, mother, artist and founder of the Congress Heights Art and Culture Center.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jones has produced work that revolves around painting faces that symbolize the accountability of individuals. In her latest work, she wanted to show women of color who are home care workers – especially her sister, who has been in the home care industry for over 10 years.

“All the colors represent different things,” Jones said. “The browns definitely represent the African American population as our home workers. As I continue, you’ll see things that will make it more female, which also is a big population.”

The home care industry has suffered from underfunding and neglect for decades. The act pledges to use $150 million to improve the work conditions and raise wages for the workers.

Older adults make up the majority of patients who rely on home care services. Artists, such as muralist and activist Shani Shin, wanted to show the bill’s benefits to senior patients that depend on the care.

“I’m doing this piece in particular, focused on the person who is receiving the care,” said Shin, “a senior who lives in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown. “It’s just putting a face to the many different kinds of people who rely on this care.”

Caplin News Producer

Eugenia Scheuren is from Caracas, Venezuela and is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree for Mass Communication – Digital TV and Multimedia Production at Florida International University. Her goal is to work as a producer for a morning/late-night television show. She has a passion for history, photography, and filmmaking.