SDG #9 Mural Unveiled on Philadelphia National Historic Landmark

A new addition to the Philadelphia skyline, the 16th installment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Campaign was unveiled on September 17th at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. The mural showcases local artist Jon Laidacker’s perspective on SDG #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure– ever-growing sectors engrained in Philadelphia’s identity.

Thanks to partnerships with University Lodge No. 51, Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, along with Mural Arts Philadelphia, the funding coinciding with the artwork was provided to the host site, Mother Bethel AME Church. This is a truly meaningful and historic location as one of Philadelphia’s 67 National Historic Landmarks, built on land owned by African Americans since 1791, longer than any other property in the United States. The church remains a pillar of the African American community in the city, ministering to those in need and providing resources through its women’s missionary, health commission, church school, arts council, and much more.

The event also presented the unique opportunity to unite the church with masonry. GPA prides itself on bringing communities together, and this event connected the Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania with the Mother Bethel AME Church in the shared interest of maintaining and expanding Philadelphia’s industry, innovation, and infrastructure. 

GPA Board Member and City Representative Jazelle Jones and City Councilman Mark Squilla spoke about Philadelphia’s initiatives tied to SDG #9 and their gratitude for organizations that strengthen the city. Also present to share their thoughts were Tracy Brala, Senior Vice President at the University City Science Center, Jennifer L. Waters, GPA Board member and Vice President of Urban Engineers, and Nefertiri Strickland, GPA SDG Advisory Council member and Founder of Teachers&, the sponsor of the SDG #8 mural. The event’s speakers celebrated Philadelphia’s status as a national hub for innovation and honed in on the importance of furthering education on infrastructure development and SDGs.

Following the unveiling, guests gathered in the Parish Hall to celebrate and foster the newfound partnerships. To view photos from the event, check out the GPA Flickr album.