“Unifying the Neighborhoods and Cultures of Philadelphia”
All the murals we saw were telling of stories of the city and its people. Each of them were vibrant and unique. One of the murals my group and I saw was “Unifying the Neighborhoods and Cultures of Philadelphia.” This one was by far my favorite not only because of the color scheme and visual aesthetic, but more so because of the story throughout it. This particular mural had five panels within it, each one representing something along the lines of family and friendship. Philadelphia is known for its culture of “Brotherly Love” and this mural encompasses just that. The first panel on the bottom left tells of black history month, showing historic figures from Martin Luther King Jr. to former president Barack Obama. What I liked most about this panel was the variety of figures included as well as the way it was painted in a fluid form. The artist, Gabe Tiberino, was not merely identifying the various people but rather tying them and their effects throughout history together in a schematic spread entailing the powerful past of Philadelphia. The second panel details the European migration which also identifies the diversity in Philadelphia, and by placing next to the panel of historical black figures, it speaks to the diversity of America as a whole. The third panel depicts the Mummer Parade, which I have never been to but have always wanted to go to. It looks extremely beautiful and lively. The Mummer parade is also a form of unification and diversity as it is the oldest folk festival and has garnered people of all types towards it with the local clubs that compete in it being extremely diverse groups of people.
Their costumes, routines and scenery are all encompassing of the varying beauty that courses throughout Philly. The fourth panel was one of my favorites, showing an interracial wedding with two families coming together and embodying the spirit of a mixed culture. Philly is filled with so much of different cultures form the streets lined with Halal food to the annual Hispanic fiesta that takes place every year. In a way Philly itself is an interracial marriage with various ethnic backgrounds merging together to coexist on the same streets and the same environment. The cultures embrace one another and come together to form a whole, much like the panel which inspires those who see it to be open to all the various colors and sights that fill Philly. The last panel was extremely touching with a daughter and dad holding hands and reminded me how Philly is filled with love.
If I had a miniature of this mural, I would want to put it in my living room and remind all the people that come through my home of the love and diversity that fills our city, as well as of that which they should embody. My hometown, where I grew up was not as diverse as Philly. It was a white suburban area where there was very little diversity. I think it is important for people to grow up in communities filled with various types of people, so they can learn to accept more than just people like them. To be in Philly, where there is so much culture along with a lot of history makes me extremely proud.
The wall between Education abroad and Honors should carry a similar message as this mural. One that encompasses diversity and unity filled with various colors and historical figures. It could be a reminder that the school we attend is filled with all different types of people and backgrounds.
