Commissioned by former City Council President Darrell Clarke before his
retirement, Legacies: Our Neighbors Lead & Inspire, honors three
powerhouse community leaders who impacted the lives of thousands of community
members in this North Philadelphia neighborhood.
Designed by Ernel Martinez and Keir Johnston of the collective
Amber Art and Design, the mural complements a
pre-existing mural of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. on the facade of the recreation center named in his memory. The original
mural was created by a founding member of the collective, Willis NOMO
Humphrey, who passed away in 2018, assisted by mosaic artist Jonny Buss. The
dedication of Legacies: Our Neighbors Lead & Inspire was a stirring
event with heartfelt stories shared about the three honorees,
Helen Brown,
Harold “Malcolm” McCoy, and
Bruce Webb. Artists Ernel Martinez and Keir Johnston were assisted by Mtukufu
Mtumaini-El, Juan Carlos Valencia Michileno, and members of the Rec Crew. The
Martin Luther King, Jr., Recreation Center is located at 22nd Street and Cecil
B. Moore Avenue.
