Starting Feb. 15, you can virtually go on the Black History Month Mural Arts Tour, provided by Mural Arts Philadelphia. 

Murals tell the stories of leaders and community figures through the beauty of artwork. Mural Arts Philadelphia is now presenting, in a fresh way, the Black history they have told through their work.

The Mural Arts Philadelphia hopes its work lays out the importance of art in the city and community, a sentiment that is ever-important today.

The arts organization’s Black History Month celebration will showcase one-of-a-kind murals celebrating Black icons and civic heroes from the past and present.

“I think that storytelling is really what moves culture forward in a progressive way. When you can have artwork that is impactful, that goes a long way in boosting the morale of the community.” said Chad Eric Smith, Mural Arts Philadelphia’s first Black Director of Communications.

Mural Arts Philadelphia tells the story of experiences, opens progressive discourse, and supports economic stimulus in the city.

The arts organization’s Black History Month Mural Arts Tour highlights the roots of Philadelphia’s Black arts movements.

The tour was first launched in 2014 as an initiative through Mural Arts Philly. The initiative allowed Philly residents to experience Black stories told through large-scale art.

“Representation is so important. It’s so impactful to the psyche of young people. I think it’s a thought that kids think about when you don’t see [themselves] being represented in popular culture, in art. It makes you wonder if there’s a place for you in the world.” says Smith.

As Black History Month continues, plenty of organizations will be putting on celebrations, lessons, events, and presentations elaborating on the rich history and impact of Black Americans.

The Museum of the American Revolution is currently dedicated to telling the stories of lesser-known Black historical figures, while other community supporters are putting on music nights that tie into Black history.

This month, those interested will have the chance to check out the Black History Month Mural Arts Tour, exploring how Philadelphia’s murals celebrate Black icons.

The tour runs from Feb. 15 to Feb. 24, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m EST. For more information, visit Mural Arts Philadelphia’s website.