The legacy of a hometown hero is now a permanent fixture of one Berrien County city’s downtown.
The City of Buchanan dedicated a 100-foot-long mural to BMX star Hannah Roberts Wednesday afternoon at Honor Credit Union, 117 Red Bud Trail N., Buchanan.
A portion of the mural, created by renowned Chicago artist Jeff Zimmermann along the north wall of the bank’s exterior, depicts a special moment in Hannah’s BMX freestyle career – being the first female on the planet to land a 360 tailwhip in competition.
“To see this, it’s insane,” said Roberts, following the ceremony. “It just shows me that I always have Buchanan’s support no matter where I am and what I’m doing. That means the world to me, just to be able to always come back and have the support of all the hometown where I grew up and all the people I grew up with. It’s something special, and I’m incredible grateful for it.”
Buchanan Mayor Sean Denison was emotional as he delivered his speech at the dedication.
“You are an extraordinary role model,” he said. “Not just for your young people, but for the entire community. You continue to inspire all of us to be better. Time after time, you remind us that anything can be accomplished if you work hard.”
The idea for the project came from the Olympic watch party held for Roberts last year, where dozens gathered to watch her win the Silver Medal.
“How could we feel this tremendous feeling of community pride all year long?,” said Buchanan Community Development Director Richard Murphy, at the beginning of the project. “Hannah is bringing her positive message to all of Buchanan and across the country, that if you work hard enough and put your mind to it, you can go from the small town to the world stage.
During the ceremony, Murphy offered his take on what the mural means to him.
“Up here, she’s doing the 360 tailwhip,” Murphy said. “Art is always in the eye of the beholder, but for me, maybe it means … we’re all going to do our best 360 tailwhip today.”
Watch highlights of the dedication below:
https://www.facebook.com/wsjmfm/videos/823638952312798
