Kensington
This August, Afromation Avenue will unveil its fourth installation in Philadelphia’s Kensington, one of the city’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods!
Created in collaboration with Philadelphia artists and community members, the project features positive affirmation signs installed at McPherson Square Library, The Free Church of St. John, Conwell Middle School, and Harrowgate Park.
Reflecting the voices, experiences, creativity, and resilience of the people who call Kensington home, the installation celebrates neighborhood identity while creating space for connection, reflection, and shared community pride.
2026
collaborating artists
“I blend pop art, surrealism, and sacred iconography to explore themes of resilience, divinity, and identity. I strive to make art both reflective and reachable, inviting viewers to see beauty and belonging in themselves and the world around them. Black art is mainstream art and every community deserves access to it.”
-Marrita Richardson b
“My work explores identity and the relationship between people and their environments. I see art as a way to observe, interpret, and explore the human condition through the lens of lived human experience. I believe art has the power to preserve stories, honor lived experiences, and challenge the narratives that are often placed on communities."
-Shalina Mitchell
-Andre Chaney
7th Ward
November 2024 Afromation Aveue unveiled it’s third installment in Philadelphia's 7th Ward, a historic Black neighborhood.
During the 19th century, 40,000 African Americans comprised the largest population of any northern city. Ward 7, the location of Philadelphia’s oldest Black neighborhood with roughly 9,700 residents.
A cradle of history, nurturing figures like Octavius Catto, Richard Allen, and W.E.B. Du Bois, and institutions like Mother Bethel Church and the Institute for Colored Youth.
2024
collaborating artists
“My hands were made to bring that 'mythology' into every visual that I can. The whimsy, the grief, the resilience. That is how we preserve our history, and pass it down to generations after us."de in.”
-Mithsuca Berry
“I sought the opportunity to challenge myself by creating compelling, eye-catching illustrations that resonate with people and allow them to see themselves reflected in the art... Aiming to create a seamless blend that fosters inclusion and positive impact."
-Andre Chaney
G-Town
The second iteration of the avenue revealed 2023 in the Germantown area.
This neighborhood renowned for the 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery, the Johnson House–a significant Underground Railroad site, and the historic Vernon Park, home to the first museum dedicated to preserving stories of classic and contemporary writers.
2023
collaborating artists
“My intention with my signs are to add flavor to Germantown simply put. I just love seeing images of Black people. Stop Gentrifying This Jawn.”
-Nomad Face
“Sometimes we all need a reminder of our intrinsic worth. public art should not only adorn landscapes but also be a source of strength and connection for the communities it becomes a part of.”
- Kita Rich
WEST PHILLY
WEST PHILLY
Afromation Avenue piloted in the West Philadelphia area in three locations in 2022; Malcolm X Park, 52nd Street Commercial Corridor, and Laura Sims Skate House.
collaborating artists
2022
“In my artistic practice, I find ways to blend elements of my story with the story of those whoI’m creating for. I love the idea of taking architectural elements from my neighborhood and those of the 52nd St Corridor.”
-Lindsay Bedford
“I seek to upend traditional power structures and open up new dialogues around issues of race, gender, and culture. Inspiring empathy and understanding, promoting social change and celebrating the human experience.”
-Marian Bailey
