“We Are Who We Are”

WARREN, Pa. – A childhood staple for multiple generations, Fred Rogers had an uncanny way of inspiring people.

At least some of that inspiration lives on thanks to the artwork adorning the billboard near Mohawk Avenue for Mental Health Month.

The piece was created by Logan Johnson, who turned to the cultural icon to help convey a simple, but important message.

“My artwork was inspired by my favorite quote from Fred Rogers, ‘I like you just the way you are,'” Johnson said. “The words are so simple, matching the simplicity of the visuals in the artwork, but so close to my heart. No matter your background or personal defining factors, there are people out there who like you just the way you are, no strings attached. That’s something our world really needs more of, unconditional love and acceptance.”

Like so many, Johnson grew up watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” and even now continues to gain insight and inspiration from the show.

“I find myself even now going back and watching episodes and getting something out of them every time,” Johnson said. “He interacted with others in such a thoughtful and kind way, always full of love and hope. Mr. Rogers was a clear advocate for the well-being of people, both socially and mentally, and was someone many of us grew up with and still connect to.”

Johnson, who had a piece chosen for CORE’s billboard campaign last May, knew he had to submit a piece for this year’s Mental Health Month.

“I knew that after how exciting and powerful it was seeing my art displayed on a billboard last year, especially for such an important cause, I knew I had to participate again,” Johnson said. “I considered once again the scale that the piece would be seen and what message I wanted behind it.”

The losses suffered by the community—felt especially hard at Warren Area High School where Johnson is a senior, drove Johnson to take extra care in creating his work.

“The recent tragedies in our community motivated me immensely to ensure my creation was filled with thought, care, and hope,” Johnson said.

The message in Johnson’s work is also meant to motivate those who see it to help end the negative stigmas that surround mental health issues.

“Many negative stigmas surrounding mental health lead to personal shame and guilt for one’s own situation,” Johnson said. “Standing up to these negative stigmas not only advocates for your own mental health but gives a voice to those who suffer in silence. For young people in school, proper health education, effective resources, and safe, open-minded environments especially contribute to fighting this stigma.”

As for those who see the billboard, Johnson hopes his art will inspire them to love and care not just for others, but for themselves as well.

“I hope people are inspired to be present and proactive in loving and caring for themselves and others,” Johnson said. “We are who we are. We all have good, bad, and ugly. Talking about the not-so-good parts helps us actually create good, for ourselves and others. If you’re in need, always look for the ‘helpers,’ to quote Mr. Rogers, who are there when we need them. ‘You will always find people who are helping.'”