Community Involvement
Good and equitable lighting is a worthy and valuable investment, especially when it benefits people who have always endured poor and unjust lighting. The practice of Light Justice depends on stakeholder engagement and community involvement. This closely correlates with the principles of the Design Justice Network which “rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collaborative, creative practices to address the deepest challenges our communities face.”
The Design Justice movement points the way to a new approach to inclusive engagement of community members as “citizen designers” to advise planning and design teams. The lighting industry has an enormous opportunity to provide expertise and knowledge to help municipalities and organizations understand the wisdom of investing in good lighting for everyone. Lighting designers need to be part of the initial planning process, not just as an expert, but as a listener and facilitator of stakeholder gatherings. The best public works, including the lighting, are inspired by a full understanding of the concerns and desires of the people who will live with the results.
Chicago Photovoice Program
Little Village Night Sky
Yolo Province
April 2023
The Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO) is an environmental advocacy program run by the Adler Planetarium, focusing on the effects of urban light pollution. YOLO participants were high school students from Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, who used a method called Photovoice to document the impact of light pollution in their community. This participatory action research method combined photography and group dialogue to help historically neglected communities gain a deeper understanding of local issues. Visual representations and accompanying narratives served as tools to engage policymakers, decision-makers, and community members.
Nubian Square Lighting the “Faces of Dudley Mural”
Bartholomew Lighting and Black Market Nubian
Roxbury, MA
Current Project
Bartholomew Lighting has proposed a community-centered lighting design project in Nubian Square, Roxbury, Massachusetts, with the goal of illuminating the historic “Faces of Dudley” Mural. This 1995 mural, located at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Washington Street, honors local activists and advocates but currently remains unlit and largely invisible at night, diminishing both its cultural impact and the safety of the surrounding area. Through intentional, equitable lighting design rooted in the principles of Light Justice, this project aims to enhance safety, visibility, and neighborhood pride, especially around local transit, businesses, and pedestrian routes. The re-lighting of the mural will also mark its 30th anniversary, serving as a celebration of Roxbury’s heritage. Bartholomew Lighting has been engaging with community members and local stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation and support. Partnerships currently include local organizations, businesses, and city agencies. This project aspires not only to improve lighting but also to grow a relationship with the community and help foster a greater sense of belonging, safety, and a stronger cultural recognition in Nubian Square.
