A Mural, a Message, a Movement in Humboldt Park

First “Spray It Forward” mural unveiled in Illinois at Battle Bandera Boxing Gym

June 12, 2025 – This June, in the vibrant Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park, something special happened. A crowd of neighbors, friends, families and leaders came together to celebrate more than just a piece of art; they came to celebrate a community, a mission and a movement.

The Battle Bandera Boxing Gym, along with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Rust-Oleum, unveiled the first Spray It Forward mural in Illinois. Painted by well-known Chicago artist Nikko Locander, also known as Ali Six, the mural is bold, colorful and full of pride. It honors the culture and strength of Puerto Rican and African American communities.

This gym isn’t just a place to box. It’s a place where kids feel safe. Where they’re mentored. Where they learn. Where they matter.

Jordan Gearey, Case Manager and Co-Director of Battle Bandera Boxing Gym, is there more than just 9 to 5. He says he’s there whenever the kids need him. Adrian Rodriguez, who works alongside Jordan and grew up participating in a program just like this, shows up every day to make the community safer and give kids a better path. You can feel their love for the young people and their belief in what is possible.

The crowd was full of emotion, smiles, hugs and even tears. For 26^th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, she shared how she grew up in this same neighborhood and came back after time teaching to help her community and its youth. She spoke with heart about how proud she is to support this program and help it grow. She shared powerful stories of the people who call this area home and knows firsthand how important it is to never forget who you are.

The mural unveiling wasn’t just an event, it was a reminder that when a community comes together, beautiful things happen. It was a night full of hope, passion and pride.

You can be part of it, too.
To learn more about Rust-Oleum's Spray It Forward mural program and how to get involved, visit rustoleum.com/SprayItForward.

Through this program, Rust-Oleum is committed to donating products for the creation of 10 murals across the U.S. by the end of this year. Several mural projects are currently in action, and three have already been completed in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and now, in Chicago.

Because this isn’t just painting on a wall. It’s a story. It’s a promise. And it’s just the beginning.