Black History Month is a time to honor the stories, achievements, and cultural impact of Black communities, both past and present. Across Philadelphia, murals serve as powerful public tributes not only to local history but also to the community stories that surround it.

Last week, the Indego team biked this route through Sharswood and Brewerytown. We found ourselves pausing at nearly every stop, moved by the scale of the murals, the depth of their stories, and the artistry and creativity woven into each one.

This bike route invites you to explore those same stories, connecting vibrant works of art that celebrate Black leaders, local voices, and the spirit of community. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this ride offers a meaningful way to experience the city through the lens of creativity, remembrance, and recognition.

Facial Unity

The first mural along the route is Facial Unity by Cavin Jones. The piece portrays members of the Black community across generations and walks of life. Young and old, men and women, each face is painted side by side, forming a powerful visual statement of unity. Set against a backdrop of a church and bright yellow rays, the mural suggests how faith can offer guidance and connection. The composition evokes a sense of shared strength and belonging, highlighting the role community plays in providing comfort, solace, and support.

Jones is a painter, muralist, and collagist whose figurative work draws inspiration from American history, particularly the African American experience. He has described his art as a catalyst to stimulate thought and promote discussion about issues prevalent in society. His layered, dynamic compositions often invite viewers to look more closely and consider the deeper meanings within each scene. You will encounter his work again at the third stop along this route.

Staircases and Mountaintops: Ascending Beyond the Dream

The second stop along the route is the mural, Staircases and Mountaintops: Ascending Beyond the Dream by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey and Jonny Buss, which is located on the exterior of the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.

During the spring of 2014, PhillyRising Collaborative and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center approached Mural Arts Philadelphia about renovating older murals at the center. Mural Arts then gathered a team to create this mural as a continuation of the work of the Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice Guild Program already underway at that location.

This facility is a vital part of the community, offering a full-sized gym, classrooms, full-day programs, and large outdoor spaces. Nomo and Jonny Buss, along with members of the Guild Program, met with community members to discuss what kind of mural they would like to see in their neighborhood. After many conversations, Nomo created a design that wrapped around both the front and side of the building. The design was inspired by Dr. King’s pivotal role in the fight for equality, based on the William Lovelace photo showing Dr. King and his wife leading a voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery in March of 1965. Abstract mountains and stairs symbolize the activists’ arduous journey to attain their full rights.

The Steppers

After leaving the Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center, head west on Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Turn right onto North 23rd Street, then right again on West Berks Street to arrive at the third mural, The Steppers by Cavin Jones.

The Steppers celebrates the everyday residents who shape the surrounding community. The mural depicts neighbors participating in activities hosted by the local community center, including gardening, writing workshops, drill team practice, and caring for elders. Framed by the detailed backdrop of a neighborhood church, the scene highlights the power of shared spaces and collective effort.

Remembrance

After visiting the third stop, head down North Croskey Street until you reconnect with Cecil B. Moore Avenue. From there, ride east on Cecil B. Moore and turn onto Ridge Avenue. Along Ridge Avenue, you will find the next two murals, beginning with Remembrance by Eric Okdeh.

Created in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services, Remembrance honors those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS, as well as those who continue to live with and fight the illness. A mosaic ribbon runs through the mural, bearing the quote: “Not poverty, nor racism, nor discrimination can prevail when one of us stands in the battle against HIV for the love and care of humanity,” by Rashida Abdul Khabeer.

Rashida Abdul Khabeer was a prominent community leader during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. In 1985, she founded Blacks Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues (BEBASHI), one of the country’s first Black AIDS service organizations. The mural depicts a candlelight vigil that gradually recedes into the background, transforming into a field of stars. It also honors a longtime AIDS educator and activist from BEBASHI, whose work and legacy continue to resonate within the community.

UNK P: Legendary Coach, Father, and Friend

Continuing up to the next block, you will arrive at the fifth mural, Unk P: Legendary Coach, Father, and Friend by Nilé Livingston and Keisha Whatley.

Selected through Mural Arts Philadelphia’s public mural application process, this piece honors Paul “Unk P” Gripper, a beloved North Philadelphia mentor who dedicated much of his life to guiding young men in his community. Through basketball and mentorship, he helped many secure college scholarships and envision futures beyond their circumstances.

Friends and peers described him as larger than life, bragadocious, and loud in the best way. He embodied the spirit of Philadelphia, full of joy, pride, and unwavering support for those around him. Often called a “teddy bear with street smarts,” Unk P made it his mission not only to steer young people away from bad decisions but to encourage them to uplift others in turn.

The mural features the motivating quote: “If the youngsters call you OG or Unk, it’s your job to stop them from making bad decisions.”

Moving Towards Greatness: W.D. Kelley Eagles Playground Murals and Mosaics

After the fifth stop, continue northeast on Ridge Avenue to West Glenwood Avenue. Turn left onto 28th Street and follow it to the final mural, Moving Towards Greatness: W.D. Kelley Eagles Playground Murals and Mosaics by David McShane, Desiree Bender, Natalie Wieters, and David Woods.

At the start of the school year, students participated in drawing workshops and art classes to help shape the mural’s design. From those sessions, twenty-five student drawings were selected and transformed into large-scale works displayed on the school’s exterior walls. The pieces include self-portraits, depictions of future dream careers, and symbols representing students’ hopes and aspirations. The mural also features portraits of influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Louis Armstrong, and Barack Obama, alongside inspiring quotes.

These murals were created to complement an earlier work at the site, Reach for Reading by Cesar Viveros, installed in 2005. Since 1999, the Philadelphia Eagles have funded an annual Playground Build through the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership, bringing together coaches, players, and staff to help transform schoolyards into vibrant and safe spaces for children. Mural Arts Philadelphia joined the partnership in 2002, further strengthening the connection between art, education, and community.

Enjoy and Share the Ride

This 1.6-mile route through Sharswood and Brewerytown is an easy, approximately 15-minute ride that invites reflection on the lives of Philadelphians and the lasting impact of prominent Black figures throughout history. Along the way, you will encounter stories of faith, activism, mentorship, and aspiration. You may even spot additional murals and mosaics beyond the featured stops, reminders that art and history are woven throughout these neighborhoods. These works show us that history is not only something we read about, but something that is continually being written.

If you take this ride, be sure to snap a few photos, tag us on Instagram using #IndegoBlackHistoryMuralTour, and share the experience with others who want to learn more about the neighborhood’s rich history. And if you’re riding this month, please be mindful of snow and ice and plan your trip accordingly.