Art can connect and heal communities. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY I talk with Michael Pilato, a globally recognized mural artist known for portrait murals and humanitarian efforts, and Nancy Rosado, a beloved community leader in Orlando, about the stories behind the images reflected in the mural entitled “Inspiration Orlando United”. Six years ago, after having learned of the death of 49 people and wounding of 53 others at the Pulse nightclub, Michael Pilato and fellow muralist Yuri Karabash moved to Orlando and began painting the mural, which currently measures a span of approximately 40 feet horizontally, in tribute to the victims, survivors, and families impacted by the events of that morning of June 12, 2022.

Michael’s goal was to create a personal, visual representation of the people that were part of the Pulse story and their loved ones. To achieve this, he networked with as many friends and families of both victims and survivors as he could locate, clearly understanding that it would take time to gain the trust of this now wounded community, a community that sat at the intersection of all that is LGBTQ+ and Latinx. Having tragically lost his own daughter a year prior, and feeling the need to help begin the healing process for those impacted by Pulse, he decided to use his daughter’s college fund to create this project to honor the 49 lives lost.

To complete the mural, Michael needs an estimated $15,000 for materials, a space to work in, and to transport additional panels which remain to be completed for the mural. These additional panels will include survivors who are in a better emotional space to share their story to be included in the mural, as well as the first responders and medical staff who worked tirelessly to save lives during that fateful day and in its aftermath. Your support will help Michael complete the mural by this upcoming October in time for Orlando’s “Come Out With Pride” event.

Please make your tax-exempt donation to SOS Orlando using the following link and we will make sure that it goes towards the completion and preservation of the “Inspiration Orlando United” mural: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QUXTFLP82ML3A

Your support will help preserve this important piece of art that is part of the collective memory and the pain of a community under attack – at the intersection of diversity, Hispanic heritage, LGBTQ+ identity, and the Puerto Rican diaspora – who demonstrated resilience by coming together in a moment of crisis, tragedy, and insurmountable loss. Learn about Michael's labor of love.