A young man passing by adds his thoughts on courage to the Wall. Photo by Louise Krafft.
The Courage Wall was unveiled in Ballston’s Welburn Square on Thursday afternoon, July 2. Ballston residents and visitors are invited to use a piece of chalk from one of the buckets hanging on the Courage Wall to share their wishes and express their joys and fears on the blank lines.
The Courage Wall, originally located in Alexandria, provides an opportunity for reflection. Prior to erasing the board when it becomes full, a picture will be taken and posted on a Facebook and Instagram page. Alexandria native and leadership coach Nancy Belmont conceived the idea of the Courage Wall in May 2015 to create a conversation about fear and allow those passing by to reflect on what is holding them back from achieving their dreams.
Community Resources of America, a non-profit organization providing services to the community by persons with intellectual disabilities, will be monitoring the Wall to ensure all commentary remains appropriate. The Wall installation is sponsored by the Ballston Improvement District and the Piedmont Office Realty Trust. The Courage Wall will be located in Ballston until July 31.