AUSTIN, Texas — March marks six years since the Austin area was terrorized by a series of random bombings. Two people were killed and five others were hurt in the weeks of fear and anxiety.
March 12 marks the day one of the victims, 17-year-old Draylen Mason, died. In the years since his death, the community has taken steps to make sure he is remembered – including a mural of the double bass player at the intersection of North Pleasant Valley and Webberville roads in East Austin.
It's a busy intersection, where a lot of people see the mural on a daily basis. Artist Mike Johnson said he got a call recently that the mural needed freshening up. He said he wanted to make sure it looks its best so that Mason can keep inspiring others.
"Obviously, Draylen's life [has] been one that will not be forgotten," Johnson said. "And just the impact that he made when he was here, just thinking like, his legacy can continue and the inspiration for younger people, inspiration for folks can continue."
When the mural first went up, Johnson told KVUE he decided to put it at Pleasant Valley and Webberville, near where Mason attended church, so that those who knew him could still see him.
That means a lot to Mason's mother, Shamika Wilson, who was at the mural on March 12 with Mason's godbrothers. She said she is humbled anytime anyone does something in honor of her son's legacy.
"More than anything, it's just a constant reminder of the impact that Draylen had on people – in their communities, but especially for someone who did not know him and felt compelled to do what he did, it's beautiful. My heart is full," Wilson said.
The recreation of the mural isn't the only way Mason is being remembered on March 12. The organization Austin Soundwaves, which Mason worked with, is also releasing new music dedicated to him.
In addition to the mural, Mason has been honored in other ways around Austin. KFMA, Austin's classical radio station, named its concert hall in Mason's honor when it opened in 2020. The station also created a composer-in-residence program in his name. Each year, someone from an underrepresented community is chosen to compose new music.