We Choose Love facts for kids

We Choose Love is a special painting from 2018. It is found on the walls of the Hollywood/Northeast 42nd Avenue Transit Center in Portland, Oregon. This artwork helps people remember those affected by a sad event that happened on a train in 2017. The painting is not permanent because the station will be updated in the future.

About the Artwork and Its History

A gathering to remember those affected by the 2017 train event. The artwork would later be painted on these walls.

In November 2017, the local transport company, TriMet, asked artists for ideas. They wanted designs for a mural to honor Ricky Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche. These two people were involved in the 2017 train incident. The mural was planned for the ramp walls of the Hollywood/Northeast 42nd Avenue Transit Center.

Artists had until November 29 to send in their ideas. The chosen artists were picked by December 5. They then worked on their concepts, which were due in January 2018. The final designs were confirmed in late February or early March. Work on this "Tribute Wall" started on April 20 and was planned to finish by May 12, 2018.

Choosing the Design

Sarah Farahat's design was chosen by TriMet's special committee. Her idea was one of four finalists. All the artists were inspired by chalk messages people left after the incident. These messages showed support and remembrance.

Sarah Farahat's design, called We Choose Love, was finished in the summer of 2018. It includes bright sunflowers. It also features words from a poem called "Mural" by a poet named Mahmoud Darwish.

Remembering with a Plaque

TriMet also planned to reveal a special plaque on May 26. This date is the anniversary of the 2017 event. John Laursen was asked to create this plaque. It will be made from strong materials like porcelain enamel and steel. The plaque will have both pictures and words. It will honor Ricky Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, along with three other people affected by the event.

TriMet shared that the memorial honors these individuals. It also recognizes the bravery of those who faced difficult situations and stood up against unkindness.