Young-Woods Elementary mural honors Sgt. Cornel Young Jr.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Community members, city leaders, and law enforcement officials gathered at Young-Woods Elementary School on April 8 to dedicate a mural honoring the life and legacy of Sergeant Cornel Young Jr..

Colonel Oscar Perez, Commander Timothy O’Hara, and officers from the South Providence District were among those attending the ceremony, which celebrated Sgt. Young’s enduring impact on Providence.

Young Jr. was a Providence police officer who was fatally shot in January 2000 by two fellow officers who mistakenly identified him as a suspect while he was off duty. At the time, he had stepped to break up a fight at a restaurant on Valley Street.

Following his death, Young was promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant. His legacy continues to be honored throughout the city, including through Young-Woods Elementary School, which bears his name.

The artwork stands as a lasting reminder of Sgt. Young’s courage, dedication to public service, and commitment to protecting others.