There's A Zulaikha Patel Mural In Brooklyn In Case You Need Some Inspiration Today

The reach of a small protest that started in Pretoria is international.
Lexi Bella's mural portrait of Zulaikha Patel in Brooklyn.
Lexi Bella's mural portrait of Zulaikha Patel in Brooklyn.
Instagram / dillingerontour

Zulaikha Patel, the Pretoria High School For Girls pupil who fought against the school's discriminatory hair policies last year, has gained global fame. She's become something of a symbol for the struggle against systemic racism — in this case, in South Africa's schools.

Her stance inspired street artist Lexi Bella to create a big mural of Patel on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

@zulaikha.patel.with.thee.afro my #ZulaikhaPatel still giving us hope on #Flushing @thebushwickcollective

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Since her protest, Patel has become something of a public figure, and has made high-profile appearances, most recently at Ahmed Kathrada's funeral.

The artist has created many political murals, including one of Wonder Woman punching Donald Trump.

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