Highland Park To Dedicate 'You Are Not Alone' Mural During Bullying Prevention Month

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A new public mural in Highland Park carrying the message “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” will be dedicated at a ceremony during National Bullying Prevention Month.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9, on the north exterior wall of The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road.

The dedication will include a proclamation from Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering recognizing October as Bullying Prevention Month in Highland Park. The 8-by-12-foot mural was commissioned by Highland Park native Chris Falcon, founder and president of the anti-bullying nonprofit Take No Bullying.

The work was created by Chicago artist and designer Tanner Woodford, whose large-scale typographic pieces have appeared at places including Navy Pier, the Chicago Botanic Garden and Soho House Chicago. The art piece was created on three large wood panels with sustainability in mind and was funded by Take No Bullying.

Falcon said he wanted people of all ages and backgrounds to resonate with the mural's message. The project also carries personal meaning for Falcon, whose experiences growing up in Highland Park shaped the nonprofit's mission.

Falcon experienced bullying while growing up in Highland Park, contributing to depression and what was described as an overwhelming sense of isolation. Those experiences inspired him to establish Take No Bullying in 2016 and to place the words he said he would have benefited from hearing as a child in a prominent public space.

“YOU ARE NOT ALONE - these are the words I needed to hear when I was younger,” Falcon said. “My hope is that someone sees this mural at exactly the moment they need its message and understands that they do not have to face what they are going through alone.”

Take No Bullying focuses on addressing bullying and helping individuals recognize their personal power, develop confidence and understand that they are not alone. The organization's work is inspired by Falcon’s lived experience and his commitment to creating stronger, more connected communities.