The design for the new “Broken Chains” mural at 500 S. 52nd St. (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood).

A new “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood, where several buildings are undergoing extensive renovation, will be unveiled Saturday, May 12th at 3 p.m.

The original Broken Chains mural (see below), a tribute to Black empowerment and leadership, will be removed as part of the ongoing renovation of the building at 500 S. 52nd (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood), one of several buildings near that intersection that the local development company, Spak Group, is renovating from the ground up. When completed, the building will include ground floor commercial (a sit-down restaurant) and three apartments. 

KC White, the artist of the original mural, and West Philly artist Gabe Tiberino designed the new mural in cooperation with the Philadelphia Mural Arts, Boys Latin Charter School and Theatre in the X and the Spak Group. The artists also met with nearby residents about a year ago. It features a young woman reading and being inspired by the stories of Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Madame C.J. Walker, Paul Robeson Guion Bluford.

The mural unveiling coincides with the Community Give Back Day, an annual event that includes food and activities in Malcolm X. Park hosted by Dynamite Pest Control.

The original “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood.