The Sam Dunlap Wall of Inspiration
Project Overview
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In the News!
Five years in the making, the Sam Dunlap Wall of Inspiration is a community-built mosaic in Colorado Springs. This project commemorates the life and legacy of Sam Dunlap (1933–2019), a lifelong Colorado Springs resident whose service and leadership shaped generations. This mosaic is a direct reflection of the people of Southeast Colorado Springs: capturing its leaders and youth, their values and insights to who they are at this time on a monumental scale.
Thank you to the many, many volunteers who contributed time to this project!
This project was funded by John Adams Elementary School, community funding, and the State of Colorado in honor of Colorado's 150th anniversary as a state.
Location
Below the Highway 24 Martin Luther King Jr Bypass, near the intersection of Circle Dr and Fountain Blvd, across from Amy’s Donuts
About
Honoring Sam Dunlap
This project commemorates the life and legacy of Sam Dunlap (1933–2019), a lifelong Colorado Springs resident whose service and leadership shaped generations.
Born on September 8, 1933, Sam overcame racial adversity to become a trailblazer in public service. In 1968, he became the area’s first community liaison and later the first federal juvenile probation officer, dedicating his career to supporting and advocating for youth.
His impact extended beyond his profession. Sam fostered many children and adopted the first three he welcomed into his home. He co-founded Black Adults for Youth, served on local youth boards, and led the Samida House Group Center for Abused and Neglected Boys—providing mentorship, structure, and care to countless young people.
Sam was also a proud member of the Brown Bombers, the city’s first all-Black championship semi-professional baseball team, where he earned the nickname “Youngster.” He later coached multiple sports, including an all-girls drill team he described as both his most challenging and most rewarding experience. In 2014, the Brown Bombers were inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame—one of his proudest moments.
His honors include “Outstanding Service to Youth” and the Col. F. Don Miller Sports Service Award. Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife, Norma, and a loving father to their three sons. His legacy continues through the many lives he uplifted.
Project Overview
Developed over several years and launched in 2021, the project reflects a vision of art as a tool for connection, storytelling, and social impact. Inspired by Julie Keefe's Hello Neighbor Project, it centers youth voices while building relationships across generations.
The Wall of Inspiration expands on Sam Dunlap’s legacy by highlighting both his story and the voices of present-day community leaders—primarily BIPOC individuals—who are making a lasting impact in Southeast Colorado Springs.
In partnership with local organizations, the project primarily served students at John Adams Elementary School. Through hands-on programming, youth learned clay and mosaic techniques while interviewing community leaders about their experiences, resilience, and contributions.
These interviews were transformed into photo tiles with selected quotes and installed on the wall—turning personal stories into a permanent, public celebration of community strength. By engaging with these stories, students begin to see themselves as future leaders and contributors.
Community Impact
This project directly served Southeast Colorado Springs—an area facing systemic inequities, including limited access to arts education and youth programming. By providing free, sustained, arts-based learning led by professional teaching artists, the Wall of Inspiration fills a critical gap.
The project also fostered broader community involvement. Families, neighbors, and local leaders actively participated—sharing stories, supporting installation, and celebrating youth contributions. These moments build pride, strengthen identity, and deepen community connection.
In partnership with organizations like OneBodyENT, students engaged directly with mentors and role models, ensuring that the spirit of service embodied by Sam Dunlap continues to inspire future generations.
Partners & Supporters
