Ronald Coleman Jr. as a child with his father. From the Coleman Family Archives.
UNCLE RONNIE’S ROOM
Services: Creative Direction, Research + Consultation, Billboard and UX Design
(First Iteration: 2021-2022, Second Iteration: 2024-Present)
An art driven campaign to mobilize the public and gather resources around Ronald Coleman Jr., his family, and the wrongful conviction that has separated them for the past 22 years and counting. Made alongside artist Mims and the Coleman family.
The project’s first iteration included an art installation based in South Central, CA built from the Coleman family’s recount of his home life, a billboard campaign in Atlanta, GA., a movement piece, and writing circles in the format of prayers and formal letters to Augusta County DA calling for the reinvestigation of Ronnie’s case.
Collaborators include Youth Justice Coalition, Patrisse Cullors, and For Freedoms, among others. URR’s second iteration is TBA in 2025; supporters will include Converse All Stars and For Freedoms thus far.
If you or someone you know would like to join Uncle Ronnie’s journey, please contact mistermuoi@gmail.com for more information.
(Left) Ronald Coleman Jr. as a child. From the Coleman Family Archives.
(Right) A love letter between Ronnie’s parents on the back of his baby photo. From the Coleman Family Archives.
Centered in this project are the details that his family have held onto tightly with love. From his first words and the Spanish moss growing in the front yard of his childhood home, to his academic and military achievements as a young man, to the VHS tapes and photo albums capturing his presence as an older brother, husband and father, to present day family conversations— URR invites people to hold these objects alongside his family as a means of learning of who Ronnie is.
This work invites attendees to imagine what he could have done with 22 years of his life, creates space for us to collectively tap into spiritual and ancestral guidance, and invites us to question the system at large. URR is an invitation to remain open in our collective questioning; in our collective dreaming.
Visit the digital platform and find ways to join his story here.
Compilation of VHS home videos take by Ronnie and his family. Voiceover by his mother, Brenda Coleman, speaking on her feelings in light of his wrongful incarceration. Featured in the URR installation at the Youth Justice Coalition in South Central, CA.