Mural Arts Philadelphia has partnered with DTLR, one of the stores that was looted during the civil unrest on May 31, to install “Messages of Hope” from local Black artists on its damaged storefronts around the city, including one on S. 52nd Street. Artists from the public art project Fill the Walls with Hope installed socially conscious artwork featuring powerful messages that aim to bring a sense of hope to the damaged storefronts.
DTLR, an apparel store, opened its Philadelphia flagship store near 52nd and Market last November. The location has remained closed since May 31. DTLR is planning to reopen this and other looted Philadelphia locations by the end of first quarter 2021.
These art installations are part of Mural Arts’ “Emerge” campaign, which aims to foster inspiration and hope as it examines the impact of the intersections of COVID-19 and systemic racism in America. In addition to art installations, the “Emerge” project offers a platform for the expression and art of Black voices. To learn more about Mural Arts Philadelphia and the “Emerge” campaign, go here. (Photos courtesy of DTLR/Samantha Yeager)
September 10th, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Pretty sad really. Like a band-aid over a wound. Better to replace the boarded up windows if the rioters are satiated for the moment.
September 14th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Let’s hope that there is at least as vehement a response in unwelcoming the Proud Boys from the neighborhood, especially if they do show this Saturday!
September 17th, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Counter-protests are planned to confront the potential Proud Boys rally, says Daryle Lamont Jenkins, founder of the anti-facist organization One People’s Project.
Jenkins said he was helping to organize a counter-rally made up of West Philadelphia residents and self-identified members of antifa, short for anti-fascist, on Saturday.
Jenkins, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, said counter-protesters were looking to peacefully protest and speak out against the “hate-mongering” of the Proud Boys and hate politics.
“I don’t think they’re going to get the fight that they want because no one wants that fight in their neighborhood,” Jenkins said. “Nobody that’s coming to this rally is looking for that.”
Additional unaffiliated groups and organizations were expected to join Saturday’s counter-protests too, Jenkins said.
“It’s gotten bigger than us … which is what we expected,” Jenkins said, adding, “This neighborhood is a cross-section of Philadelphia, to be honest, and they’re all coming out.”
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/proud-boys-reportedly-planning-rally-in-west-philadelphia-this-weekend/article_78f3cb8c-6402-5190-9ef1-1d16c27fb85b.html