The image of Trenton track star Athing Mu will be removed from an outer wall of the New Jersey State Prison. Mercer County officials, Artworks Trenton, the NJ State Council on the Arts and NJ Department of Corrections agreed that Mu deserved a more appropriate place for recognition of her achievements. County Executive Dan Benson offered these comments via a press release, which included postponement of Thursday’s official unveiling of the ‘Breaking Barriers’ mural. “We are aware that there are concerns regarding the depiction of Olympic athlete and Trentonian Athing Mu as a part of the ‘Breaking Barriers’ mural project. We understand those concerns, and we understand that although Ms. Mu had given the artist permission to feature her on a mural in Trenton, this specific location had not been confirmed with Ms. Mu or her family. We still wish to honor her legacy as a Trenton Hometown Hero, but we will work to find a more fitting location in our Capital City to do so. We will have an update on the unveiling at the appropriate time. We thank Artworks Trenton, the NJ State Council on the Arts, and NJDOC, for their continuing partnership in this effort to bring art to our local community,” read a statement. First, allow admission of disappointment that all the eyes, minds, and big-idea persons involved with this mural project failed to recognize the severe misstep of putting Ms. Mu on this New Jersey State Prison wall. No one would ever suggest an attachment of former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-14), First Lady Tammy Murphy, even Executive Benson to this foundation. And, not one of them would oblige such an offer. Seeing the image of Athing on the prison wall left many eyewitnesses crestfallen and angry, understanding that Ms. Mu, a national and world track champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has not received her due from the City of Trenton and Mercer County. Mu, during her run-up to world stardom, always spoke highly of her hometown. She ran and acted with such effortless grace. Ask anyone about the pride experienced each time an announcer noted she grew up in Trenton. So, seeing her image on a prison wall, well, the sight delivered a gut punch. Trenton, in typical fashion, squandered an opportunity to allow Mu to impact girls and young women. We had our golden child who should have visited elementary schools and high schools throughout Mercer County. Imagine a girl who dreamed of being a track star and Olympic athlete — and actually accomplishing such lofty goals. Imagine being best in the world and arriving at the pinnacle of success because enough people cared about you and you cared enough about yourself. We never embraced her as ours, almost discounted the accomplishments of being the best female in the world in the 800 meters. Worthy of Wheaties recognition, Mu ended up on a New Jersey State Prison facade. Personal anger will not linger as an appreciation exists when people admit mistakes then pursue rectification. When politicians, even begrudgingly, deliver such behaviors, it’s more newsworthy. When city and county officials make the next decision to honor Athing Mu, hopefully they include other voices, incorporate myriad observations and interpretations during that process. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].