ABOVE PHOTO: Judge Sierra Thomas Street and Graphic Design Artist Willis Humphrey. (Photo: by Leona Dixon)
State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, participated in the dedication of new murals in Bartram High School, which were created as part of the Martin Luther King Day of Service on Jan. 18.
Rep. Joanna McClinton D-Phila./Delaware, joins students and others who participated in the mural dedication ceremony. (Photo: by Leona Dixon)
The murals were designed by local artist Willis “NOMO” Humphrey as a joint project between McClinton, Philadelphia First Judicial District judges and employees, Restorative Justice Guild at the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, state Sen. Anthony H. Williams, state Rep. Jordan Harris and City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
More than 100 volunteers from the Philadelphia Youth Commission, Bartram High School students, the Men of Bartram alumni committee, Philadelphia First Judicial District judges and employees and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Restorative Justice Guild program members participated in the mural project.
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s Mural on Wall of Fame (Photo: by Leona Dixon)
The celebration in the school auditorium began with the Bartram High School Junior ROTC Color Guard presentation and Bartram students sang the national anthem.
“This entire project has been a blessing for the school and community,” McClinton said. “It was thrilling to see so many different groups and volunteers work for the common good of the students. The murals will be a long-term reminder of the value of community involvement and cooperation.”
In addition to McClinton, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper; Jane Golden, founder and executive director of City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program; state Rep. Jordan Harris; state Sen. Anthony H. Williams; Bartram alumna and City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell; and the artist Willis Humphrey spoke at the unveiling. Blackwell was featured as an alumna in the hallway mural.
Kensington High School Assistant Superintendent Debora Borges-Carrera spoke on behalf of the Philadelphia School District.
Three murals were designed: one each for the front entrance and hallways, the auditorium and the classrooms.
The murals feature a “Welcome to Bartram” sign, a city skyline image and the slogan, “chasing your dreams.”
The youth and young adults who volunteered from the Restorative Justice Guild are young adults who are serving probation and who are making a positive influence in their community, one mural at a time.
Related Posts
Congressman Brady selects art work of High School senior for display in the Congressional High School Art Competition
School District of Philadelphia announces expansion of seats in high performing schools; 2,272 seats added to 19 high performing schools throughout the District
West Catholic high school’s culinary program gets a boost from famed chef Georges Perrier
Leave a Comment