SDG 16 Mural Re-Unveiled at New Location: Project HOME’s Hope Haven
GPA and its supporters commemorated the reinstallation of the SDG #16 mural on November 18th, recognizing the amazing talent of a local artist, the legacy of a civil rights activist and lawyer, and an organization that does important work in the name of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
The event allowed attendees to get a first look at the mural, which depicts civil rights figure Thurgood Marshall, in its new location. GPA President Zabeth Teelucksingh shared that “as we collectively strive to make our city more equitable, sustainable and peaceful, it seems fitting to be celebrating this particular three-pronged SDG - Peace, Justice and Strong institutions, and to celebrate a profound friendship.”
This friendship is longstanding with Mural Arts Philadelphia, partner of GPA’s SDG campaign, and also includes The William T. Coleman, Jr. Foundation, Inc. and The Harry and Catherine Halloran Family Foundation– the sponsors of the SDG #16 mural. Representatives of both sponsors attended the event, including Board Chair and President of The Coleman Foundation, Lowell Thomas, and shared how their work aligns with this project and their motivations for supporting it.
Kind and motivating words were also shared by Chief Cultural Officer of the City of Philadelphia Val Gay, District 5 Councilman Jeffrey Young Jr., Chancellor of the Bar Association Katayun Jaffari, and President and CEO of Philadelphia OIC Sheila Ireland.
Previously located at Project HOME’s Women of Change location, the artwork now lives at their Hope Haven site on West Diamond Street, in close proximity to the John Coltrane House and the Henry Ossawa Tanner House, two National Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia. CEO of Project HOME Donna Bullock expressed the nonprofit’s appreciation of the artwork and grant, while also informing about their goals for the future.
Project HOME has worked tirelessly for over 3 decades to introduce infrastructure and opportunities in order to end chronic homelessness and reduce poverty in Philadelphia. As the host site of the mural and the grant recipient, they will be able continue representing the spirit of this SDG and have more support in helping individuals in the Philadelphia community reach their fullest potential and feel empowered.
Though unable to attend the re-unveiling, artist Russell Craig’s presence was felt through the clear beauty and messaging of his piece, which was created with his personal inspirations in mind. Craig is a Philadelphia native and self-taught artist who uses his work to share commentary on social and political themes, and he chose a fitting way to portray the essence of SDG #16. Thurgood Marshall, former civil rights activist and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, wholly encapsulates the spirit of peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Marshall’s achievements as the first African American to hold a position on the Supreme Court and his victory as a lawyer in landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education have installed him in American history forever. He even had personal connections to Philadelphia, as he attended Lincoln University outside of the city, met his wife, Vivian, here, and had a professional and personal friendship with Philadelphia native William T. Coleman, fellow civil rights lawyer and namesake of the mural sponsor.
Marshall’s countenance now looks over those that further civil rights leaders’ past visions of equality and justice, and serves as a reminder to uphold institutions that support them.
To learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals and GPA’s mural art campaign, visit: https://globalphiladelphia.org/sustainable-development-goals.
