New Williamsburg Mural Honors Late Activist Luis Garden Acosta

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — A new mural in Domino Park honors the legacy of longtime Brooklyn activist Luis Garden Acosta, who died earlier this year.

The mural, titled "Boricua en la luna" like the popular Puerto Rican song, was put together during a live-painting event over the weekend held by Acosta's organization El Puente.

The organization announced in March that it would be starting a year-long tribute to its founder, including a series of events dedicated to his lifelong advocacy.

Acosta died in January at 73 years old.

"In the few months since his passing, there has been an incredible outpouring of love, respect and profound gratitude for the visionary, leader, mentor, comrade and friend that Luis was to so many– a true testament to the depth and breadth of his humanity and commitment to inspire and nurture leaders for peace and justice," the organization says on its website. "It is our hope that all of you who have been, and continue to be, part of this rich legacy will have the opportunity to share, vision and celebrate with us."

The mural joined Domino Park's quarter mile of public space just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Assemblyman Joe Lentol both attended the unveiling of the 8-foot by 50-foot piece of art.

The mural is far from the organizations first public work of art.

The "El Puente Arts" section of the nonprofit includes a group called "Los Muralistas," who have created more than 20 community murals since starting in 1990.

Acosta, born in 1945 in Fort Greene, founded El Puente in 1982. He also worked as a planner and community organizer for New York City's Office of the Mayor, a director at Greenpoint Hospital, the board president for America's first Afro-Cuban music school and was known on the radio as "America's Public Health Disc Jockey," according to a profile on the CUNY Center for Puerto Rican studies.

His work focused on topics such as environmental justice, youth empowerment and advocacy for the Latin-American community.

"Luis Garden Acosta was a tireless community activist, organizer, leader and, most of all, a friend.," Mayor Bill De Blasio said when Acosta died. "He never stopped fighting for a more just and peaceful world. Chirlane and I send our most heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those he inspired."