Unveiling History and Hope: Philadelphia Welcomes Its First Juneteenth Mural

The middle section of the mural exhibits a contrasting monochromatic scheme, with overlapping images that evoke the transatlantic slave trade era. It includes faceless figures of enslavers and political icons, purposefully blending into the background to emphasize that the narrative is not centered on them.

Emanating from a radiant golden hue at the top, six Black individuals are portrayed looking ahead with hope, holding hands firmly, flanked by soldiers of the Civil War Colored Troops. Amidst them, faint imageries of individuals laboring in cotton fields serve as a backdrop. The words “freedom,” “family,” “power,” and “liberty” encircle them with broken chains, while a clenched fist symbolizing Black power is seen breaking a chain. 

Keisha Whatley hopes her mural will empower the community to face hardships by remembering their inherent resilience. But for the locals like Kevin Powell, the mural did even more – it filled him with pride.

Powell, who grew up in Germantown during the 1970s, said, “A lot of celebrations didn’t include us, and Juneteenth brought a sense of sadness for how long people in Texas spent without knowing they were free. Coming out [of the house] to see this! I was in shock, it made me feel extremely proud, and I couldn’t wait to take pictures.”

This Juneteenth mural is the result of a collaborative effort among the Absolute Equality Public Art Initiative, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Capital One Cafe, and the nonprofit Voices Underground. The mural is displayed on the exterior wall of Germantown ArtHaus, Whatley’s community art center, which is seeking donations for community programs.

When visiting, keep an eye out for the vibrant feather skillfully included in the mural by Whatley as a tribute to her late father, the accomplished artist Ron “Wandering Feather” Randolph.