AUSTIN, Texas — Creative artists are painting silent messages of protests across the country and on the streets of Austin.

A Black Artists Matter mural was painted in an East Austin neighborhood, in June. Three little words aim to spark major change.

For classical musician Shawn Lesure, those three words represent unity, authority, power, autonomy, and righteousness. For the violinist, music is a connection to a creative culture where color is an emotion played out from the heart.

Shawn Lesure plays his violin (Lakisha Lemons/Spectrum News)

Lesure first fell in love with the violin in fifth grade. After stroking the strings in that very moment he knew he’d devote his life to the angelic sound.

But living in Texas, he’s one of the few classically trained Black male violinist. Lesure says he’s used to the unfair treatment and the lack of representation within the industry.

“Often I’m the only Black person at a gig or at a concert. They ask me if I can read music or if I’m actually reading music. I’ve had people stand behind me over my shoulder to see if I’m actually reading [music],” said Lesure.“Often I’m the only Black person at a gig or at a concert. They ask me if I can read music or if I’m actually reading music. I’ve had people stand behind me over my shoulder to see if I’m actually reading [music],” said Lesure.

Like Lesure, many artists believe the massive Black Artists Matter mural in Austin is a tool to call out the lack of diversity in the city. It’s a bright yellow sign they’ve all been waiting for.