Afromation Avenue comes to Philly’s historically Black 7th Ward

“Black communities continue to be uprooted, just as a tree cannot grow without roots, the neighborhood’s essence is inseparable from the Black communities who have shaped it. So this affirmation: ‘We are connected to this land as seeds are to soil,’ serves as a reminder to this unbreakable bond,” Kelly continued. “It’s a call to resist erasure and to honor the resilience of those who have made the 7th Ward what it is today.”

And with that, the group traveled to the next stop where they learned about Andre Chaney’s first sign. At each location, the artists revealed the intent behind their work.

Jennings shared that her work is frequently influenced by Afrofuturism. Chaney described his “figure-heavy” pieces as a reflection of how his chosen affirmations are affecting people. Meanwhile, Mithsuka Berry’s creations included nature symbolism and vibrant colors drawing on their deep connections to Black cultural expression.

As the tour approached 8th and Bainbridge, Kelly noted the removal of three signs on that block. When speaking with WHYY News after the tour, Kelly said she noticed the absences when she did a run through the previous day to prepare for the tour.